TERMITES, OR WHITE ANTS. 



151 



several points of their structure, they resemble the Orthoptera ; 

 whilst in their habit of living in societies, they resemble a large 

 proportion of the Hymenoptera. There is, however, as we shall 

 hereafter see, a considerable difference in the duties of the several 

 tribes of which these communities 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 insect, 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. 374), 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 winged males (Fig. 375) and females, 



FIG. 374. SOLDIER 

 TERMKS. 



Fro. 375. TERMES 

 in perfect state. 



FIG. 37G QUEEN in the winged state, and filled 

 with Eggs. 



when they have arrived at their perfect state, quit their habita- 

 tion, and fly abroad during the evening or the night, in great 



