PROC. ENT. SOC. WASH., VOL. 22, NO. 6, JUNE, IQ2O 113 



and worker castes. These reproductive forms of the three types 

 should be considered as distinct castes. 



All of these reproductive forms have been described in more 

 detail and figured, (Snyder, 1915 and 1916). 



Description of the Adults of the Second Form of Species of Reticulitermes. 



Another type of reproductive form fairly common in species 

 of Reticulitermes is that of the second form with short wing- 

 pads. This type is developed from the nymph of the second 

 form (Lespes) with short wing-pads, instead of wings or the stubs 

 (scale) of the first form adults. This form is not rare in colonies 

 of species of Reticulitermes in the eastern United States. 



Unlike the reproductive individuals of the first form, these 

 males and females have not the chitinized parts deeply pigmented ; 

 while the compound eyes are reduced in size and palely pigmented 

 they are probably functional. Probably only the first form 

 adults are able to perceive images; the other reproductive castes 

 may be able to perceive light and direction by means of the 

 ocelli and reduced compound eyes. The body pigmentation is 

 slight, but is characteristically straw-colored or grey, suggesting 

 a subterranean habitat and seclusion from light. 



In this type of reproductive form the head, thoracic segments, 

 and abdominal tergites and sternites are both longer and broader 

 than in the reproductive forms that develop from nymphs of the 

 first form. The meso- and meta-thoracic tergites have a dis- 

 tinctly irregular shape ; in the second form, these chitinized plates 

 of the abdominal tergites and sternites more markedly approach 

 the semicircular in shape and are much more projecting; in 

 mature queens of the first form the tergal and sternal nota of the 

 abdomen are more fused or compressed. However, this latter 

 character may be due to relatively greater age and consequent 

 distention and growth of the fleshy tissue, since in the younger 

 queens of the first form the tergites and sternites are slightly 

 more projecting than in older queens. In first form reproductive 

 adults the legs are more slender and the mouthparts slightly 

 smaller (less gross) than in those of the second form. 



In general, recently matured reproductive adults of the second 

 form have a grosser structure ; they are heavier and not intended 

 for flight. At the time of maturity (at approximately the same 

 time as the first form adults mature and are ready to swarm), 

 the sex organs of second form adults unlike those of the first 

 form- are ready to function. Often the abdomen of second form 

 queens has an irregular, lumpy appearance due to the develop- 

 ment of ovaries or fatty tissue. Mature queens of the second 

 form of R. flavipes, attain a length of 12 mm.; the development of 



