Social Behaviour in Insects Book

J9onograpl 8 on analogical General Kchtnr G. K. DF. BBICK, M. A., H So. SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN INSECTS SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN INSECTS BY A. D. IM IS M. A., D. Sc., F. R. S. AiniioR oi- A ii-M K i ifMHooh of. I. NIOMOLO V, nr. WITH 20 ILLUSTRATIONS METHUEN CO. LTD. 36 ESSEX STREET W. G. LONDON GENERAL PREFACE BIOLOGY has long since reached the stage when it is impossible for one person to specialize in all its branches, or even to keep abreast of the latest develop ments in all of these. This is the more regrettable because it seems likely that many problems which baffle frontal attacks may be circumvented with the help of concepts and techniques of other branches of science, and that knowledge may thereby be extended. The present series of monographs attempts to give brief but authoritative accounts of the present states of knowledge in various departments of biology, and to convey information which can be obtained only at the cost of considerable time and trouble by a person wio is not engaged in that particular branch. Teachers and students will find up-to-date accounts of their own subjects, and research workers will be aware of the progress made by their colleagues in other depart ments. At the same time, the general reader with a taste for biology will be able to follow the most recent developments in the various branches of the science. lyt-tj-s- J. B. I K B. MJSRTON COLLKUE February, PREFACE THK habits and economy of social insects form one of the most remarkable chapters in biology. Their manifestations exemplify the heights to which mutualism and co-operation can attain, even when determined by causes other than intelligence. Since the social organization of insects has been evolved on a physiological and instinctive basis, it can be reviewed with greater detachment and impartiality than the more complex human system, which presents accomplishments that have been developed and integrated along a different line. The fact that the independent communal organiza tions of insects and man present many features in common, widens the horizon of our subject, and brings it into relations with both sociology and psychology. To the biologist social insects present no lack of funda mental problems with which he is directly concerned. Among them are displayed many functional adaptations, peculiar developments of symbiosis and the most com plex and advanced phases of polymorphism. He is exercised with the problem as to how to account for the regular production of sterile individuals, generation after generation, and its relation to nutritional influences on the one hand and to hereditary factors on the other. Students of animal behaviour find in such creatures the culminating expression of instinctive habits. Prac tically-minded people preserve the hive bee for economic reasons with the rest of such fauna they are exercised, vii viii SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN INSECTS either with means of its extermination, or with leaving it severely alone. This little book endeavours to present an outline of the essential features of the structure and habits of social insects the main paths which their evolution has traversed and the basis upon which their behaviour depends. Effort has been made to avoid undue techni cality and to present the subject in a form acceptable to readers other than entomological specialists. It is difficult to imagine any present-day author of a book on social insects who can afford to neglect the works and expositions of Prof. W. M. Wheeler. Possess ing a unique acquaintance with all that pertains to the lives of such animals, and philosophic insight in inter preting their behaviour, Prof. Wheeler has done much to co-ordinate, and bring into daylight, a subject of perennial interest. Opportunity, therefore, is taken here to express, to my distinguished friend at Harvard University, indebtedness to his influence, without which this book would riot have been written...Read More