27 



Order V. Platyptera. Plat-winged Insects, 



This order includes several groups of insects which were 

 formerly considered in the old order Neuroptera. It com- 

 prises the families containing the Termites, the biting bird 

 lice and the book lice. The termites, or white ants, are well 

 known (Fig. 21) ; the bird lice are wingless parasites of birds 



Fig. 21. Platyptera. White Ant. 



(a) adult mate ; (b) terminal abdominal segments', (c) same of female; 

 {d) male side view; (e) abdomen of female, side view.; if) tarsus 

 showing joints and claw; a, d, e, enlarged; b, c, /, greatly enlarged, 



{From U.S. Dept. Agric.) 



