36 



Termite associated with a Pselaphid," " Proceedings of the Linnean 

 Society, New South Wales," vol. XXV, p. 2U, 1900. 



These termites and beetles were collected by Lea at Swan River, 

 Western Australia. 



Genus III. — Eutermes. 



In general structure the winged forms are closely allied to the first 

 genus, the chief difference being in the structure of the scapular shield, 

 or basal portion of the wings. They are all dark brown insects, with 

 12-16-jointed antennae, with the terminal joints slightly thickened. 



In the soldiers the structure is very different, for instead of the double 

 jaws projecting in front the fore portion of the head is produced into 

 a snout (nasuti), like an awl, which is tubular, and open at the extremity, 

 connected with a chamber in the head, from which, when the soldier is 

 attacked, it can eject a drop of protective fluid more or less deadly to its 

 enemies. When a nest is damaged, these tiny little soldiers swarm out 

 and stand guard in a most fearless manner until the workers have sealed 

 it up again. 



They costruct all kinds of nests, sometimes on the ground, over stumps, 

 grass roots, or under bark and logs, often very small and irregular in 

 structure, though the largest nest known is formed by E. pyriformis, in 

 North Australia. The nests formed upon the limbs of trees are con- 

 structed by members of this genus. There are seven species described 

 from Australia, and when the country has been explored this number 

 should be largely increased. 



Synoptical table of the members of the genus Eutermes, based on 

 structure of head of soldier. 



1 . Eutermes magnus, Froggatt. Head dark, castaneous ; hemispherical 



snout, nearly as long as rest of head; antennae 14-jointed. 



2. Eutermes triodice, Froggatt. Head darkest on sides of head and 



snout, almost round ; snout short, showing slight suture through 

 head; antennae 14-jointed. 



3. Eutermes tumuli, Froggatt. Head reddish orange; snout darker; 



both head and snout slender, rounded behind ; antennae 

 12-jointed. 



4. Eutermes pyriformis, Froggatt. Head reddish brown ; tip of snout 



same colour ; head broadly rounded ; snout shorter than head ; 

 antennae banded, 14 joints. 



5. Eutermes hastilis, Froggatt. Head light reddish brown; snout dark- 



est; head broad behind, compressed on sides; snout short; 

 antennae 13-jointed. 



6. Eutermes fumipennis, Walker. Head dark chestnut, snout black; 



head pear-shaped from above ; snout slender and pointed ; 

 antennae 13-jointed. 



7. Eutermes fumigatus, Brauer. Head light-coloured, darkest on sides 



and snout; head broad behind, tapering to snout, which is 

 short, and broad at base; antennae 13-jointed. 



