198 
TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS . 
great number of species of ants, and they may be divided into 
three groups, which are characterised by some rather important 
structural differences. These groups are the Formicites , Ponerites , 
and the Myrmicites. The segment at the base of the abdomen 
forms a single knot or swelling in the first and second groups, 
but the females and the workers of the Ponerites have stings, and 
those of the Formicites have not. The Myrmicites have a sting, 
but their abdominal segment is formed into two knot-like divisions. 
The common genus Formica , the true ants, belongs to the 
Formicites , and its individuals may be distinguished by their 
triangular and very dentate mandibles, which are their tools. As 
every species of ant has peculiar habits, it is best to take one as 
the type. The ant to which we intend to devote our attention 
ASHY ANT. 
is by no means uncommon, for although it may not be found in 
woods and copses, yet it is sure to be met with upon nearly every 
road or path, and very few people that live in Central Europe can 
say they have never seen a long train or column of the red ant. 
This ant, Formica rufa , or the Red Ant, is principally known 
through its workers, which are nearly red, and are very interesting 
to watch. The workers have a black spot on the head, and some- 
times on the thorax, and the abdomen is blackish above, except 
at the waist. The female, which has the same general tint as 
the worker, is shining as if it had been polished, and it has the 
upper parts of the head, the thorax, and the abdomen of a 
beautiful black colour, and the wings are rather dusky at their 
bases. The male, which is almost as large as the female, is 
quite black and hairy. 
Now, let us examine the dwelling places of these red ants. 
