Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 300, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 December 1918 — ANT NURSES OF BUTTERFLIES [ARTICLE]

ANT NURSES OF BUTTERFLIES

—— ' . Peculiar Relationship Which Natural* lets Have Observed Between Creatures Which are Enemies. * , Ants and butterflies are not ordinarily on friendly terms, for ants have a ruthless custom of seizing and devouring their winged acquaintances. There Is, however, one species of butterfly the larvae of which are protected by the large black ants found in Indian gardens. The secret of this care lies in the fact that the larvae give out a sweet liquid of which the ants are very fond, and which they obtain by gently stroking the little creatures with their anstruct a temporary nest and are then ready to act as attentive nurses. About the middle of June the ants are busy running about on this bush In search of the larvae, and driving them downward toward their own nest. When the prisoners reach their places, they at once fall Into pupae. During this period, if the loose earth at the foot of the bush be scraped away, hundreds of larvae and pupae may be seen arranged In a broad even band about Its -trunk. In about a week the butterfly in ready to come forth and is tenderly assisted to leave Its shell. If it is strong and healthy, it Is allowed to spread its wings and fly away, but should it prove delicate the ants exercise the utmost care ln assisting it to the tree, and holding It there in safety. It is a curious sight to watch these fragile creatures going about in perfect confidence among the fierce ants, which have, however, by no means adopted the profession of nursing for the love of it, for when the larvae of another species are thrown among thdni they immediately set upon them and tear them in pieces.