TERMITES 
-13- 
The technique we will use in identifying the KIND of termite we are consider- 
ing involves the use of a KEY. A key is the means of identification of un- 
known organisms that employs alternative de scriptions of characters . Identi- 
fication keys are described as synoptic , or dichotomous. They present alter- 
native descriptions of body parts and number guides to direct the user to the 
correct answer. 
Final alternatives are marked : * 
Review : characteristics of Arthropods and Insects 
ILLUSTRATIVE SAMPLE KEY TO ORDERS OF INSECTS 
1. a. Insects with wings ..........2 
(If true, go to 2 ; if not true, go to b . 
b. Insects without wings at any stage of the life cycle.. .....End * 
2. a. 2 pairs of wings present.... 3 
b. Only one pair of wings present, the FORE (front) wings, on the 
second thoracic segment. ..... - ORDER DIPTERA , the flies. 
3. a. Wings membranous in texture, both pairs about the same length ...4 
b. Forewings of different texture than the hind wings .....5 
4. a. Wings can be folded down thw back when at rest; smaller insects . .ORDER 
ISOPTERA, the termites * 
b. Wings held outstretched, not capable of being folded down the back when 
at rest ; larger insects... ORDER ODONATA, Dragon flies* 
The features you have recorded in the table can be used to construct an iden- 
tification key for our termites. UNDERSTAND how the key, above, works. Then , 
using the features you listed in the table, construct a key to the families of 
soldier termites in the BVI . You need to use only those features that permit 
separation of the groups. 
NOTES : 
