PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



47 



engaged with their mother in the care of a small number of 

 larvae; and M. Perrot, his friend, once discovered a small 

 nest, occupied by a solitary female, who was attending upon 

 four pupae only. Such are the foundation and first establish- 

 ment of those populous nations of ants with which we every 

 where meet. 



But though the majority of females produced in a nest pro- 

 bably thus desert it, all are not allowed this liberty. The 

 prudent workers are taught by their instinct that the existence 

 of their community depends upon the presence of a sufficient 

 number of females. Some, therefore, that are fecundated in 

 or near the spot they forcibly detain, pulling off their wings, 

 and keeping them prisoners till they are ready to lay their 

 eggs, or are reconciled to their fate. De Greer in a nest of 

 F. rufa observed that the workers compelled some females 

 that were come out of the nest to re-enter it 1 ; and from 

 M. P. Huber we learn that, being seized at the moment of 

 fecundation, they are conducted into the interior of the for- 

 micary, when they become entirely dependent upon the 

 neuters, who hanging pertinaciously to each leg prevent their 

 going out, but at the same time attend upon them with the 

 greatest care, feeding them regularly, and conducting them 

 where the temperature is suitable to them, but never quitting 

 them a single moment. By degrees these females become re- 

 conciled to their fate, and lose all desire of making their escape ; 

 — their abdomen enlarges, and they are no longer detained 

 as prisoners, yet each is still attended by a body-guard — a 

 single ant, which always accompanies her, and prevents her 

 wants. Its station is remarkable, it being mounted upon her 

 abdomen, with its posterior legs upon the ground. These 

 sentinels are constantly relieved ; and to watch the moment 

 when the female begins the important work of oviposition, 

 and carry off the eggs, of which she lays four or five thousand 

 or more in the course of the year, seems to be their principal 

 office. 



When the female is acknowledged as a mother, the workers 

 begin to pay her a homage very similar to that which the 



1 ii. 1071. 



