302 ERNEST WAEREN, 



and soldiers when alarmed often tap tlieir mandibles against 

 the ground with considerable force. Whatever its origin, the 

 habit is now mainly a reflex action, and may be compared with 

 the trembling with rage or fear in the higher mammals. In 

 the case of the beetle it seems very doubtful if the habit 

 could be acquired for the purpose of deceiving the termite 

 host. It is easier to suppose that the intimate association of 

 the beetle Avith the termites in the confined environment of a 

 termite nest has produced in it a similar nerve tone. 



The adult beetles are usually found in the more peripheral 

 nest-galleries in company with a great crowd of adult workers 

 and soldiers, while on the other hand the supposed Par a co- 

 rot oca larvae have always been found in the central portions 

 of the nest, living amidst a close assemblage of immature 

 termites and developing eggs. In the case of the larva, 

 vibration of the body has not been noticed, and the legs are 

 relatively short and weak. 



In general shape, size and colour the adult beetle, with its 

 forwardly directed abdomen, is not unlike an adult worker- 

 termite or young nymph, but the resemblance is not so- 

 striking as to deceive readily the trained eye. Also, the legs 

 of the beetle are long, and the insect is as active as the adult 

 termites. The Paracorotoca larva has short legs and is 

 slow in movement. In movement, general shape and appear- 

 ance it resembles rather closely the immature termites amongst 

 which it is living. On the whole it would appear probable 

 that the resemblance is not entirely accidental, but has been 

 partly acquired for the sake of giving a familiar, non- 

 aggressive aspect to the guest, and thus rendering it 

 acceptable to the host. 



No direct observations on the feeding liabits of the beetle 

 have been possible. It will be seen that the hinder joortion 

 of the pharynx is entirely suctorial in character, and no solid 

 matter has ever been seen in the gut. On the other hand, 

 the mandibles are well-developed both in the larva and in 

 the adult ; they are large, smooth, pointed structures without 

 teeth or serration of any kind. They could have no very 



