27 
iug of the larva. After a short interval three other ants arrived and 
joined in the attack. After about five minutes the larva had been ex- 
hausted by its violent tumbling, and was perfectly helpless when 
dragged away. A second larva, more than half grown, was later 
dropped on the ground near by. It began to travel, but soon crossed 
the path of another species of ant {Solenopsis geminata). At once one 
pounced upon it, when the larva began rolling in the dust and loose 
earth, but failed to dislodge its enemy. After a few minutes, other ants 
came to the assistance of the first until about half a dozen were en- 
gaged in the work of biting and tormenting. The larva was soon ex- 
hausted and completely at the mercy of its enemies. 
In August and September such attacks are rarely witnessed, and 
larvae can even be thrown in the path of these ants without danger of 
attack in every instance. AVhen not hungry, or soon after they have 
had a tight with a Boll Worm, observation reveals the ants touching 
the larvae or even running over them without making an attack. 
June 10, on ears of corn, the ants were seen attacking Syrphid larva-, 
probably Mesograpta polita. They simply picked the larvae up in their 
jaws and carried them down the plants to their burrows. July 1, ants 
were observed feeding upon Syrphid pupae of probably the same species 
as above noted. 
June 1, ants (Solenopsis geminata) were seen at a hole in the husks of 
an ear of corn. The husks were carefully removed without disturbing 
the ants. They were found feeding upon the liquids of a recently 
killed half-grown Boll Worm. The ear being well stocked with Larvae, 
the injured one had doubtless been killed by another of its own species, 
and while devouring it the victor was probably disturbed by the ants 
and abandoned its morsel for the benefit of the intruders. Subsequent 
persistent observation verified this surmise and showed that the ants 
seldom directly attack and kill a Boll Worm in the ear. It has already 
been explained that the Boll Worm has a natural tendency, when 
crowded or provoked, to feed upon its own species. The ant has learned 
to know that infested ears of corn are an excellent source of supply 
for juices and they are found most plentifully in those ears. After 
entering, the best portions are selected, the little surveying which this 
requires bringing them into contact with the Boll Worm. This living 
thing seems to excite them and they begin to bite and tease it until it 
becomes enraged and attempts to get away. In doing so the larva 
bites to the right and left and kills many of the smaller larva' which it 
happens to meet. The ants are very fond of the blood which oozes 
from the wounds of the injured larvae, and at once proceed to feast 
upon it. Should the injured worm in its weakened condition attempt 
to get away the ants soon overpower it. The first worm, however, hav- 
ing once had a taste of blood, continues its depredations upon the 
slightest provocation, and, as would seem from breeding cage observa- 
tions, is, for a short time and if opportunity otters, often inclined to 
