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Psyche 
[Vol. 89 
experiments on laboratory colonies have shown that this species can 
feed on a range of plant material including sound wood and both 
living and dead grass. 
Procornitermes araujoi 
Field observations have been made on above-ground foraging 
parties in the open and under soil sheeting. Workers cut and collect 
grass litter, generally at night, but occasionally on dull, humid days. 
Svntermes dims 
This species forages above ground in the open, at night, and 
crepuscularly. Workers and soldiers leave the tunnels from small 
exit holes which are plugged with several millimeters of soil during 
inactive periods. These foraging holes may be on the mound or at 
distances of up to 20 meters from it. The above-ground foraging 
parties consist of major workers and soldiers. At the end of a partic- 
ular trail the workers spread out over several centimeters and start 
cutting grass. Some climb up stands of vegetation and cut long 
pieces of grass which drop to the ground. Other workers cut these 
into smaller pieces and carry them to the nest. Consumption in situ 
has not been observed. 
Ve/ocitermes paucipiiis 
These termites feed on grass and surface litter which they collect 
at night in the open. The workers form trails to the food source 
where they spread out to cover a large area, cut small pieces of grass 
and leaves, and return with them to the nest. The workers are 
flanked at regular intervals by soldiers oriented with their raised 
heads pointing outwards. 
Orthognathotermes gibber ovum 
Examination of worker mandibles and gut contents together with 
information from Mathews (1977) suggests that this species feeds on 
organic residues in the soil. Observations of foraging behavior have 
not been made. 
Food sources were divided into four categories: humus, sound 
wood, decomposing wood, and grass and herbaceous litter. The few 
termites eating sound wood and the many eating grass and herba- 
ceous litter probably reflect the fact that most of the vegetation 
types included in this study were open with few trees. Examination 
of the termite fauna within the gallery forests would reveal many 
