336 CLAUDE FULLER. 



Actual burrowing in open land has not been observed, but 

 under the uniform conditions of a box of soil and observa- 

 tion cells, it was found that the insects did not close in their 

 burrow behind them ; instead they placed the loose particles 

 regularly around the aperture so as to form a small per- 

 forated mound, Avhich persisted for several weeks (text-fig. 

 1). Some females laid eggs within the first week, others 

 only after the lapse of a fortnight. On May 25th, 1915, one 

 pair with young were still alive. 



Termes natal en sis Haviland. — The mating of this 

 species has only been observed on one occasion (Pretoria, 

 October 28th, 1918, 6-7 p.m.), when it took place in conjunc- 

 tion with a flight of T. incertus. The latter was, however, 

 quite local, whilst the winged natalensis had come from far 

 afield — probably a mile away. The insects flew high with 

 well-sustained flight, and many passed overhead. The females, 

 as appears usual, alighted first; selecting free and high- 

 standing grass spears. Upon gaining a foothold (fifteen to 

 twenty inches from the ground) they at once reversed their 

 position and stood head downAvards. Then all four wings 

 Avere half opened and the apex of the abdomen became 

 visibly swollen. Some males were flying low over the her- 

 bage when this act took place, and in a very short space of 

 time the females were discovered by them. The male 

 alights, as a rule, directly on the dorsum of the female, flying 

 to her with much precision. He rapidly aligns himself, with 

 wings closely folded and head upAvard, and combs across and 

 across from one cercus to the other the dilated apex of the 

 abdomen of the female. During this the female sits quite 

 still, but presently she dealates and gives e\adence of restless- 

 ness; Avhen her moA^ements sufficiently stimulate the male, he 

 dealates and craAvls from her back. The female then moves 

 forwards doAvn the stem, the male close behind, Avith mouth- 

 organs ahvays closely brushing the anal plates of the female. 



There is no doubt in connection with this mating that, 

 whilst the male is attracted to the female bv the sense of 



