CHAPTEE XVI 



NEUEOPTEEA CONTINUED TEEMITIDAE, TEEMITES OR WHITE ANTS 



Fam. III. Termitidae — White Ants, Termites. 



Each species is social, and consists of winged and vnngless indi- 

 viduals. The four icings are, in repose, laid fiat on the 

 hack, so that the upper one only is seen except just at the 

 hoses ; they are membranous and very elongate, so that they 



i \ 



Fig. 225. — Termes (Hodotermes) mossambkiis. Wiuged adult. (After Hagen.) 



eo:tend fctr heyoiul the apex of the ahdomen ; the hind pair 

 is remarkahly similar in size, form, and consistence to the 

 front piair : near the base of each tuing there is a suture, 

 or line of weakness, cdong which the wings can be broken off, 

 the stumps in that case remaining as short horny flaps re- 

 posing on the back. Ligula channelled but not divided into 

 ttoo piarts. The wingless individuals are very numerous, and 

 have the head and thirteen body segments distinct ; the body 



