A local caterpillar, too, converts the tough
harsh leaves of a fig-tree (FICUS FASCICULATA) into a close and perfect
scroll by an elaborate system of haulage, spinning silken strands as
required, having primarily rendered the leaf the more easy to manipulate
by nibbling away a portion of the midrib. In this scroll the insect
dozes until in process of time it is transformed, and emerges a bright
but short-lived butterfly.
But, as far as my personal observation goes, the green tree-ants do not
effect any alteration in the superficial appearance nor destroy the
structure of leaves, nor employ any physical power at the first stages
of the construction of a habitation. The process by which a leaf is
curled extends over several days, and but few take part in it. Half a
dozen ants may be seen perpetually engaged in, apparently, an
unmethodical but extremely minute and critical inspection of the rhachis
and the nerves or ribs of the leaf. Days pass. The ants are there all
the time, examining the leaf and communicating with each other
whensoever they meet. Imperceptibly the leaf begins to curl. The ants
continue to make mesmeric passes over the nerves with ever-waving
antennae.
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