TERMITIDAE 



373 



from Grassi, as it conveys some idea of the numerous forms that 

 exist in certain communities. In this table the arrangement, 

 according to A, B, C, D, E, represents successive stages of the 

 development : 



Forms of Termcs lucifugus. (After Grassi.) Zool. Anz. xii. 1889, p. 360. 

 A 1. Young, undifferentiated larvae. 



B 



On inspecting this table it will be perceived that the variety of 

 forms is due to three circumstances (1) the existence of castes 

 that are not present in ordinary Insects ; (2) the coexistence of 

 young, of adolescents, and of adults ; and (3) the habit the Termites 

 have of tampering with forms in their intermediate stages, the 

 result of which may be the substitution of neoteinic individuals in 

 place of winged forms. 



This latter procedure is far from being completely understood, 

 but to it are probably due the various abnormal forms, such as 

 soldiers with rudiments of wings, that have from time to time 

 been discovered in Termite communities, and have given rise to 

 much perplexity. 



In connexion with this subject we may call attention to the 

 necessity, when examining Termite nests, of taking cognisance 

 of the fact that more than one species may be present. Bates 

 found different Termites living together in the Amazons Valley, 

 and Mr. Haviland has found as many as five species of Termitidae 

 and three of true ants in a single mound in South Africa. In 

 this latter case observation showed that, though in such close 

 proximity, there was but little further intimacy between the 

 species. There are, however, true inquiline, or guest, Termites, 



