This remarkable instinct was first discovered in the Formica (Polyerges) rufescens by Pierre Huber, a better observer even than his celebrated father.

This ant is absolutely dependent on its slaves; without their aid, the species would certainly become extinct in a single year.

The males and fertile females do no work of any kind, and the workers or sterile females, though most energetic and courageous in capturing slaves, do no other work.

They are incapable of making their own nests, or of feeding their own larvae.