130 THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 



discomforture of its enemies. With reference to this peculiarity, the suggestive 

 title of "Nasuti" or "Snouted" Termites has been conferred upon these individuals. 



In addition to the conformation of the jaws, the pattern of the veining or 

 " neuration " of the wings in the matured flying individuals has been found to be 

 of signal service for the scientific classification of the Termitidce, and it is with 

 reference more especially to such distinctions that the known species are at present 

 relegated to the several genera Termes, JEutermes, Hodotermes and Calotermes. 



The feeding habits of the Termitidae have been proved by the recent investi- 

 gations, more especially of Grassi and Sandias with relation to Calotermes flavicollis, 

 to be very peculiar. No refuse matter of any kind is permitted to remain in the 

 chambers or galleries, which are always remarkable clean. Whether cast skins, dead 

 individuals, material regurgitated from the mouth or passed through the alimentary 

 canal, such refuse is devoured or redevoured until no nutritive properties are left, when 

 it is either built into the substance of the habitations or galleries, or cast outside them. 

 It was observed of the above-named species that the so-called " proctodteal " food or 

 alimentary matter in its semi-exhausted state as passed from the alimentary canal 

 represented the favourite nutriment. One individual yields it to another on 

 being stroked posteriorly by the antennae and palpi of the latter, much in the same 

 manner as the aphides yield their honey-like excretions to the true ants. This food- 

 provision phenomenon is associated with the labourers or greater bulk of the com- 

 munity. In the case of the soldiers, it would appear that they are essentially 

 cannibalistic, preying upon the sickly or purposely destroyed labouring units. 



Among other data elicited through Professor Grassi's investigations, the fact 

 was fully established with regard to the European species that the potentiality for 

 increase of the termite community is by no means seriously impaired by the destruction 

 of the original royal pair, or founders of the colony. Some one or more of the 

 "neoteinic" or " substitution " kings and queens were always available for election to 

 the vacant thrones. According, moreover, to the description of food supplied to them, 

 it has been ascertained by Professor Grassi that any of the numerous individual 

 termite modifications can be developed from the ordinary larvee. A full translation of 

 Grassi's important Memoir on the European Termitidse is, while going to press, 

 November, 1896, in course of publication in the " Quarterly Journal of Microscopical 

 Science." Its perusal is strongly recommended to any who may contemplate the 

 systematic investigation of the habits, metamorphoses and setiological phenomena of 

 the Australian or other exotic species. 



