T09 



Additional Insects Present with Termes Gestroi 

 in the Nest. 



In the tube containing the specimens of Termes Gestroi \ found 

 grubs and pupae of other insect forms present. 



(1) At least two different kinds of Heterocerous larvae were pre- 

 sent, both probably noctuids. 



(2) Immature pupae of a species of coleoptera, perhaps a cocci- 

 ne Hid (Coccinellida?). The pupae were, however, quite unknown 

 to me. 



The presence in the nest of these other forms of insect life is of 

 very considerable importance. One or more of them may be pre- 

 daceous upon the termites. It may be pointed out here that should 

 such prove to be the case the knowledge would be of the very first 

 importance in considering measures for combating the termite. 



Termes sp. near A nnamensis, DESN. 



This Termes was taken from a nest situated in the ground in the 

 plantation a few feet away from the rubber trees. It was thought 

 by the Manager to be identical with Termes Gestroi. It is, how- 

 ever, a different species, and as far as is at present known causes 

 no damage to the rubber trees. 



Termes (?) sp. 



Only workers having been as yet procured" of this species it is 

 impossible to identify it at present. Mr. RvAN states that the 

 insects build their galleries on the outside of the trunk and feed on 

 the dead bark, thus following the usual procedure of Termes tapro- 

 banes in Sal forests. The , Manager mentions that he has never 

 found the insect to injure the rubber trees in any way, nor has he 

 ever found any latex in their bodies. Since this insect is present 

 in the plantations'it will be of interest to have it identified. For 

 this purpose the other members of the community are required. By 

 tracing down the earth galleries on the bark of the tree to the base 

 of the latter and turning up the earth all round it, it will be possible 

 to obtain them and thus to have this point settled. 



Points in the Life History of Termes Gestroi requiring 

 Further Observation. 



We at present know little about the life history of Termes Gestroi 

 and since it appears more than probable that the termite is likely to 

 prove a source of very considerable loss in rubber plantations, unless 

 its action is thoroughly understood, it behoves those in charge of 

 such areas to endeavour to do all in their power to procure all in- 

 formation possible upon its life history and methods of attack. The 

 following are some of the points requiring further observations and 

 elucidation. 



1. — The period of the year at which the termites are active and 

 commit injury to the trees. 



