NEW ZEALAND NEUKOPTERA. 



Family I— MALLOPHAGA- BIRD LICE. 

 Not dealt with in this volume. 



Family II.— EMBIDyE. 



No species belonging to this family have been found 

 in New Zealand at present. 



Family III.— TERM ITIDJE -—TERMITES. 



"Each species is social, and consists of winged and 

 wingless individuals. The four icings are, in repose, 

 laid flat on the back so that the upper one only is seen 

 except just at the bases ; they are membranous and very 

 elongate, so that they extend far beyond the apex of 

 the abdomen; the hind pair is remarkably similar in 

 size, form, and consistence to the front pair ; near tlie 

 base of each wing there is a suture, or line of weakness, 

 along which the wings can be broken off, the stumps 

 remaining in that case as short, horny flaps reposing 

 on the back. Ligula channelled but not divided into two 

 parts. The wingless individuals are very numerous, and 

 have the head and thirteen body segments distinct ; the 

 body is terminated by a pair of short cerci. The meta- 

 morphosis is slight and gradual, and in some individuals 

 is dispensed with " (Sharp). 



The Termitidce is probably one of the most remarkable 

 families of insects in existence. Its members are social 

 in their habits, and live together in large communities 



* These insects are often popularly known as " white ants," but the 

 term is an objectionable one as they have no real affinity with the true 

 ants although the members of both groups live in societies. The best 

 popular name for these insects is Termites, pronounced as two syllables. 



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