48 



HANDBOOK OF ANTS, BEES, ETC. 



Tribe V. — Socialia. 



The Socialia contains a very peculiar group of insects closely 

 allied to the cockroaches in the Orthoptera. Tliey may be 

 considered a connecting link between that order and the 

 Neuroptera. There is only one family. 



Family 7, Ter7niticB. — The TermiticB^ or White Ants, are almost 



Fig. 59- — Termes Bellicosus (Male). 



exclusively inhabitants of tropical climates, and are unrepresented 

 in our own c;ountry. 



They are a very remarkable family of insects. They build 

 most complicated dwellings, consisting of innumerable galleries 



Fig. 60. — Termes Bellicosus (Soldier). 



and chambers, and they are so interesting in their habits that 

 every traveller who has seen anything of them has always a great 

 deal to relate concerning them. 



One species, Termes lucifugus^ inhabits the south of France, 

 and is very well known on account of the mischief which it 

 sometimes causes. 



Tribe VI. — Physopoda, or Thrips. 



This tribe of insects, to which the name Thysa7iopiera is some- 

 times applied, contains many curious forms. 



