CHAPTER XVI 



NEUROPTERA CONTINUED TERMITIDAE, TERMITES OR WHITE ANTS 



Fam. III. Termitidae White Ants, Termites. 



Each species is social, and consists of winged and wingless indi- 

 viduals. The four icings are, in repose, laid fiat on the 

 back, so that the upper one only is seen except just at the 

 bases ; they are membranous and very elongate, so that they 



FIG. 225. Term.es (Hodotennes] mossambicus. Winged adult. (After Hagen.) 



extend far beyond the apex of the abdomen; the hind pair 

 is remarkably similar in size, form, and consistence to the 

 front pair : near the base of each wing there is a suture, 

 or line of weakness, along which the wings can be broken off, 

 the stumps in that case remaining as short horny flaps re- 

 posing on the back. Ligula channelled but not divided into 

 two parts. The wingless individuals are very numerous, and 

 have the head and thirteen body segments distinct; the body 



