130 THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 
discomforture of its enemies. With reference to this peculiarity, the suggestive 
title of ‘“Nasuti” or “Snouted” Termites has been conferred upon these individuals. 
In addition to the conformation of the jaws, the pattern of the veining or 
“neuration” of the wings in the matured flying individuals has been found to be 
of signal service for the scientific classification of the Termitide, and it is with 
reference more especially to such distinctions that the known species are at present 
relegated to the several genera Termes, Eutermes, Hodotermes and Calotermes. 
The feeding habits of the Termitide have been proved by the recent investi- 
gations, more especially of Grassi and Sandias with relation to Calotermes flavicollis, 
to be very peculiar, No refuse matter of any kind is permitted to remain in the 
chambers or galleries, which are always remarkable clean. Whether cast skins, dead 
individuals, material regurgitated from the mouth or passed through the alimentary 
canal, such refuse is devoured or redevoured until no nutritive properties are left, when 
it is either built into the substance of the habitations or galleries, or cast outside them. 
It was observed of the above-named species that the so-called “proctodeal” food or 
alimentary matter in its semi-exhausted state as passed from the alimentary canal 
represented the favourite nutriment. One individual yields it to another on 
being stroked posteriorly by the antenne and palpi of the latter, much in the same 
manner as the aphides yield their honey-like excretions to the true ants. This food- 
provision phenomenon is associated with the labourers or greater bulk of the com- 
munity. In the case of the soldiers, it would appear that they are essentially 
cannibalistic, preying upon the sickly or purposely destroyed labouring units. 
Among other data elicited through Professor Grassi’s investigations, the fact 
was fully established—with regard to the European species—that the potentiality for 
increase of the termite community is by no means seriously impaired by the destruction 
of the original royal pair, or founders of the colony. Some one or more of the 
“neoteinic” or “substitution” kings and queens were always available for election to 
the vacant thrones. According, moreover, to the description of food supplied to them, 
it has been ascertained by Professor Grassi that any of the numerous individual 
termite modifications can be developed from the ordinary larve. A full translation of 
Grassi’s important Memoir on the European Termitide is, while going to press, 
November, 1896, in course of publication in the “ Quarterly Journal of Microscopical 
Science.” Its perusal is strongly recommended to any who may contemplate the 
systematic investigation of the habits, metamorphoses and etiological phenomena of 
the Australian or other exotic species. 
