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The structure of the Termites nest usually differs according to the 
species by which it ai’e constructed. A series of those collected may 
be seen at the agricultural department in Kuala Lumpor. 
The Commoner Species of Termites met with on 
Rubber Plantations. 
By enumerating the commoner kinds of termites found on Estates 
some idea of the number of species which may be present and doing 
no harm will be gained. It is this fact which it is necessary to impress 
as I feel sure that many thousands of dollars are yearly expended in 
destroying species which are either beneficial, or of no economic 
importance to the planter. 
The following key taken from Haviland’s paper on Termites, 
although perhaps technical may be of use to some in discriminating 
between the species, but as other species are harmless, for all practical 
purposes it is only necessary to be able to recognise T. gestroi. 
Key. 
(I) Lobes of the thorax projecting over the underparts, head large 
and broad with powerful mandibles ; legs projecting beyond the apex of 
the abdomen. 
Fungus growers. 
u) 
General colour blackish above 
Termes carbonarius. 
(2) 
General colour pale with rufous head 
(a) Size larger ; antennae with 
11 segments 
{ b ) Size smaller ; antennae with 
T. Malay amis. 
15 segments 
T. pallidus. 
(ii) 
Lobes of the thorax projecting but 
slightly over the underparts ; 
head with a large foramen (bole) 
secreting milky fluid ; mandibles 
fairly long but slender, outline 
of body oblong, head rufous, ab- 
domen white, sometimes grey 
from intestinal contents 
T, gestroi. 
(in) 
Lobes of the thorax not projecting, 
species usually of small size ; ab- 
domen arched. 
(i) 
With slender mandibles ; abdomen 
sulphur yellow 
T. sulphur em. 
(2) 
Mandibles rudimentary ; with a 
conical projection on head ; gener- 
al colour blackish brown. 
{a) Head much swollen 
T. laces situs. 
( b ) Head but slightly swollen 
T. unbrinus. 
These names will be unfamiliar to many and it will be as well to 
apply popular names to some species. 
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