iio The Termites, or White Ants 



of an inch long, and of rufous color. It was described from a few specimens 

 found at Austin, Texas. This insect seems to be very susceptible to differ- 

 ing degrees of humidity, and specimens were visible only after the ground 

 had been moistened by rains. As the sun dries th'e ground, the insects 

 burrow into the soil. They spin small silken webs in which they live singly. 

 These webs are tunnels made in some crevice of the rock which shelters 

 them, or are spun between grains of soil. They are an inch or more in 

 length and closed at one end, and probably serve simply for protection. The 

 spinning-organs of the insect are located in its fore feet, a condition unique 

 among animals. The food-habits of the Embiids are not yet known. 



