118 SUPPLEMENT ON 



solid habitations, and as their wants are greater, their de- 

 structive force is more powerful. Their invasions are less 

 easily opposed, as they operate in darkness, and thus escape 

 the notice of man and his vengeance. 



The historian of these insects, Smeathman, was not ac- 

 quainted with their nymphse. The individuals which he 

 seemed to consider as such are the neuters, which defend the 

 habitation, and the individuals which he calls workers, are 

 only the termites in their first age, or in the larva state. 

 These insects do not undergo their last metamorphosis at the 

 same period. The individuals less advanced collect the fe- 

 males which have been fecundated, and take care of the eggs. 

 The termites form then, under all relations, a society quite 

 distinct from those of the ants, wasps, humble-bees, and bees, 

 insects, all of which undergo a perfect metamorphosis. These 

 last-mentioned societies, according to the consideration of the 

 organs of locomotion, are established upon three models. 



In one, such as that of the ants, the neuters are deprived 

 of wings, and for the completion of their labours have no 

 other instruments than the parts of the mouth. 



All the individuals of the other societies have wings, but 

 the wasps are not better provided than the ants in regard of 

 the means for the execution of their work. It is not so with 

 the humble-bees and bees. The legs and tarsi of their hinder 

 limbs have a peculiar form, which allows them to collect the 

 pollen of flowers. These insects also have organs solely des- 

 tined to elaborate and secrete the honey and the wax. As 

 well as among the wasps, the female constitutes an integral 

 part of the society, as long as it subsists. The females of 

 wasps and humble-bees even commence the establishment, 

 and are foundresses and queens at the same time. 



These organic differences have a great influence on the in- 

 stinct of these insects, for the perfection of their work is 

 proportioned to their means. 



