. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. IV ANTS 157 Sub-Fam. 2. Dolichoderides.—Hind //^/y furnished u-ith lut one constriction so that only a single scale or node is formed ; tiling rudiincntari/ ; the poison-sac without cushion. The Dolichoderides are similar to Camponotides in appearance, and are distinguished chiefly by the structure of the sting and the poison apparatus. To this we may add that Forel also considers the gizzard to be different in the two sub-families, there being no visible calyx in the Dolichoderides, while this part is largely developed in the Camponotides. This is one
. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. IV ANTS 157 Sub-Fam. 2. Dolichoderides.—Hind //^/y furnished u-ith lut one constriction so that only a single scale or node is formed ; tiling rudiincntari/ ; the poison-sac without cushion. The Dolichoderides are similar to Camponotides in appearance, and are distinguished chiefly by the structure of the sting and the poison apparatus. To this we may add that Forel also considers the gizzard to be different in the two sub-families, there being no visible calyx in the Dolichoderides, while this part is largely developed in the Camponotides. This is one of the least extensive of the sub-families of ants, not more than 150 species being- yet discovered. Comparatively little is known of the natural history of its members, only a very small number of species of Dolichoderides being found in Europe. The best known of these (and the only British Dolichoderid) is Tapi- noma erraticum, a little ant of about the size of Lasius niger, and somewhat similar in appearance, but very different in its habits. T. erraticum does not cultivate or appreciate Aphides, ' but is chiefly carnivorous in its tastes. Our knowledge of it is due to Forel, who has noticed that it is very fond of attending the fights between other ants. Here it plays the part of an interested spectator, and watching its opportunity drags off the dead body of one of the combatants in order to use it as food. Although desti- tute of all power of stinging, this Insect has a very useful means of defence FlG- 66-—fapinoma en-ati- . . cum, worker. Britain. m the anal glands with which it is Upper side and profile, provided ; these secrete a fluid having a strong characteristic odour, and possessing apparently very noxious qualities when applied to other ants. The Tn/ii- noma has no power of ejecting the fluid to a distance, but is very skilful in placing this odorous matter on the body of an opponent by touching the latter with the tip of the abdomen ; on this being done it
Size: 1027px × 2434px
Photo credit: © Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorha, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology
