64 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. 68 



termes, species); Cachuela^' Esperanza (Beni River), Bolivia, 

 March, 1922 (soldier with Comitermes {Ldbiotermes) lahralis Holm- 

 gren ) . 



Subgenus Neocapritermes Holmgren 



This subgenus of the genus Capritermes Wasmann was established 

 by Holmgren in 1912; all the contained species are from America, 

 except one from Africa (namely N. al'tenus Von Rosen). 



In N eocapritertnes the winged adult has the first tooth of the 

 mandibles not larger than the second; antennae with IT segments; 

 meso- and meta-notum broad posteriorly, radius of fore wing present ; 

 the soldier lacks the fontanelle. 



In Gapritermes {sensu strictore) Wasmann the winged adult has 

 the first tooth of the mandibles larger than the second; antennae 

 14-15 segments; meso- and meta-nota strongly narrowed posteriorly; 

 radius lacking; the soldier has the fontanelle present. 



Eight species of Neocapritermes have been previously described 

 from America. 



The asymmetrical mandibles are used in flipping themselves away 

 from enemies, or snapping particles of earth ! Miroterraes Wasmann 

 has the same habit, and this is an effective method of defense against 

 ants, etc. N . planiceps Emerson, a remarkable flat-headed species 

 described from British Guiana, has been found in Bolivia by Doctor 

 Mann. 



CAPRITERMES (NEOCAPRITERMES) BRAZILIENSIS, new species 



Soldier (fig. Zc). — Head light yellow-brown, light castaneous- 

 brown anteriorly, distinct longitudinal median line reddish-brown, 

 narrow, sides nearly parallel, slightly convex, head slightly de- 

 pressed at center ; frontal gland white, elongate, sub-oval depression 

 between epicranial suture and longitudinal median line; with short 

 and scattered long hairs. Mandibles black, reddish brown at bases, 

 elongate, twisted asymmetrically and left mandible longer than 

 right. Labrum yellow-brown, trilobed at apex, twisted to follow 

 curving of mandibles. 



Antenna dark yellow-brown, 15 segments, pubescent; third seg- 

 ment more deeply colored and wider than adjacent segments, bead- 

 like; second cylindrical, longer than third; fourth subclavate about 

 same length as second ; segments 7-12 elongate ; last segment elongate, 

 slender and pointed at apex. 



Pronotum light yellowish, margins darker, saddle-shaped with 

 long hairs. 



" With smaller lateral spines or points than in the specimen from Cavlnas ; may be a 

 new species. 



