median ocellus is absent. In certain species it is replaced by a 
more or less distinct opening of a gland known as the fontanel. 
The wings are long and narrow and, when folded on the back, 
extend well beyond the end of the abdomen. In all North Ameri- 
can species, the fore and hind wings are similar in form and in 
the general features of their venation. The abdomen is broadly 
joined to the thorax. 
Termites have very few effective natural enemies. For example, 
there are no internal insect parasites, and predaceous enemies are 
largely confined to ants and birds. The predators sometimes con- 
sume large numbers of termites during flight periods. This may 
have some adverse effect on the establishment of new colonies, but 
it has no effect on the parent colony. Fungi, nematodes, and bac- 
teria usually kill a small percentage of the individuals in a colony. 
Moulds, occasionally, cause much heavier losses. 
In many parts of eastern United States, particularly the South, 
termites are almost universally present in stumps, dead logs and 
other woody materials in contact with the ground in forested 
areas. Termites are largely beneficial in forested areas because 
of their assistance in the decomposition of dead wood and its re- 
incorporation into the soil. On the other hand, when termites in- 
fest wooden structures and other useful wood products, they are 
often extremely destructive. The extent of the monetary losses 
they cause is not known, but has been estimated at $400,000,000. to 
$500,000,000. per year in the United States for damage, repairs, 
and control. 
For further information on termites, the reader is referred to 
the following (31, 229, 435, 670, 669, 677, 674, 673, 676, 441). 
Keys to Termites of Eastern United States Based on Soldiers 
1. Head long, much longer than broad 2 
Head short, truncated in front . Abie Ye 9 
2. Mandibles with prominent mar ginal teeth - igh Beg 3 
Mandibles without prominent marginal Pere 3 
3. Hind femora swollen; third antennal segment not equal to 
fourth and fifth ............... Kalotermes approximatus 
Hind femora swollen; third antennal segment slightly 
longer than fourth . _Neotermes jouteli 
Hind femora swollen; third antennal segment enual to 
fourth and fifth . AD <A Dice De he soca eae 4 
4, Anterior margin of pr onotum dentate 
Incisitermes synderi 
Anterior margin of pronotum not dentate 
Incisitermes schwarzt 
5. Labrum rounded at tip Prorhinotermes simplex 
Labrum pointed at tip ere. 6 
6. Fontanelle large and tub: lar; head oval and yellow; 
length of body 5.8 mm. ..... Coptotermes formosanus 
Fontanelle not large and tubular, sometimes very small, 
circular and distinct . 7 
7. Gula less than twice as broad in front as in middle 
Reticulitermes tibialis 
Gula fully twice as broad in front as in middle 8 
