CHAPTER XVI 



NEUROPTERA CONTINUED TERMITIDAE, TERMITES OR WHITE ANTS 



Fam. III. Termitidae White Ants, Termites. 



Uach species is social, and consists of luinged and vnngless indi- 

 viduals. The four wings are, in repose, laid flat on the 

 hack, so that the upfcr one only is seen except just at the 

 bases ; they are rriemhranous and very elongate, so that they 



Fig. 225. Termes {Hodotermes) omssamUcus. Winged adult. (After Hageii.) 



extend far heyond the apex of the ahdow.en ; the hind pair 

 'is remarkably similar in size, form, and consistence to the 

 front pair.: near the base of each wing there is a suture, 

 or line of weakness, along which the wings can be broken off, 

 the stumps in that case remaining as short horny flaps re- 

 posing on the back. Ligula channelled but not divided into 

 tic parts. The wingless individuals are very numerous, and 

 have the head and thirteen body segments distinct ; the body 



