The Socialia contains a very peculiar group of insects closely allied
to the cockroaches in the _Orthoptera_. They may be considered a
connecting link between that order and the Neuroptera. There is only
one family.
_Family 7, Termitiæ._--The _Termitiæ_, or White Ants, are almost
exclusively inhabitants of tropical climates, and are unrepresented in
our own country.
They are a very remarkable family of insects. They build most
complicated dwellings, consisting of innumerable galleries and
chambers, and they are so interesting in their habits that every
traveller who has seen anything of them has always a great deal to
relate concerning them.
One species, _Termes lucifugus_, inhabits the south of France, and is
very well known on account of the mischief which it sometimes causes.
[Illustration: Fig. 59.--Termes Bellicosus (Male).]
[Illustration: Fig. 60.--Termes Bellicosus (Soldier).]