Note 5 — CHAP. IV. OF THE RELATION BETWEEN ANTS.

This can scarcely be adduced as an instance of the affection of this insect for the young confided to its care; for had it been engaged in any other operation, it is most likely it would have continued it until its strength totally failed. It is well known that many insects, after the loss of their principal members, still continue their customary avocations. I have myself seen a wasp walking (seemingly unconcerned), about a sugar-hogshead, three hours after its abdomen had been removed. Fothergill, if I mistake not, threw his hat at a dragon-fly (Libellula), and by accident separated its body. It made several efforts, but ineffectually, from want of its proper counterpoise, to take flight. Whilst it was in this state a fly was presented to it, which it devoured very greedily. The common caterpillar (Melolontha vulgaris) will continue to walk about even when deprived of half its entrails. Dr. Arnold, after transfixing an insect (Scolia quadrimaculata) with a pin, placed it in a box with other insects, where it afterwards got loose, and notwithstanding its previous impalement, actually destroyed another insect (Sphinx stellarum) in the same box, which usually constituted its food.—T.