158 



TERMITES, OR WHITE ANTS. 



the caudal filaments. In several points of their structure, they 

 resemble the Orthoptera ; whilst in their habit of living in socie- 

 ties, they resemble a large proportion of the Hymenoptera. 

 There is, however, as we shall hereafter see, a considerable dif- 

 ference in the duties of the several tribes of which these commu- 

 nities consist. A more particular account of 

 their operations will be given in a later part of 

 this volume ; and at present it will be sufficient 

 to say, that the larvae resemble the perfect in- 

 sect, except in the absence of wings, and are 

 the workers. Among the adult insects there are 

 some, which never acquire wings, and in which 

 the reproductive organs are not developed ; these, 

 which are termed the soldiers (Fig. 475), have the head much 

 larger and longer than that of the larvae, and the mandibles are 

 very long and cross each other ; they are far less numerous than 

 the larvae, and live near the outer surface of the nest, so that 

 they are the first to make their appearance when it is attacked ; 

 and they are also stated to compel the workers to labour. The 



FIG. 475. SOLDIER 

 TERMES. 



FIG. 476. TERMES 

 in perfect state. 



FIG. 477. QUEEX in the winged state, and filled 

 with Eggs. 



winged males (Fig. 476) and females, when they have arrived 

 at their perfect state, quit their habitation, and fly abroad during 



