MEMOIES
or THE
NATIONAL MUSEUM,
MELBOUKJSTE.
No. 7.
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES.
gj) ;
H. J. GSEBN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MELBOURNE.
1608.
JXJ3STE, 1927.
1
MEMOIRS
OF THF
NOOn ON A L M LTSEUM,
M E lJ^OLl RNli;.
Xo. 7.
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES.
Jiij (Suthciriti) :
)t. .j. cKEEN, pRrNTBK, :sielboi'rnh.
HiOS.
O^XTlSrE, 1S27,
VAGK
Termites from the Australian Region. I’ai-t T. l^y Gerald
F. Hill (plates I.— IX.) ... .. ... 5
Monograph on the Triassic Flora of Raid Hill, Bacuhus
.Marsh, Victoria. Bj’ Frederick Chapman, A.L.S.,
F.B.IM.S. (plates X. — XTIT. and Text Figure) ... 1 ’2 I
loT
An Additional Occurrence of Bythotrephis in Victoria.
A. H. S. Luca,s, M.A., B.Sc. (plate XIV.)
'ly
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGHON. PART I.
By Gerald F. Hill, Entomologist, National Museum, Melbourne.
(Plates 1. IX.)
A. — liitroduction
IP — Tlie Termite Fauna of New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, New
Hebrides, and Solomon Islands
0. A Revision of the Australian Leucotermes, Microeerotermes and
M irofermes . .
-INTRODUCTION.
The termites referred to in tliis paper comprise ]iart of a collec-
tion of about 1,000 nest series collected by the author in the Xorthern
Territory of Australia during the years 1912 17, in North Queensland
during 1919-23, and in New Britain and Papua during 1922, iu
addition to about 250 series collected by Mr. J. Clark in \ATstern
Australia, and about 50 series collected by several other cor-
respondents in various localities. Small collections from New
Britain, New Ireland, and Solomon Islands, which have been
presented to the National Museum recently by Drs. C. M. Heydoip
H. (1. Wallace, and Mr. W. \V. Froggatt, as well as loan collections
from the museums of South Australia, Queensland, and Western
Australia, and Mr. L. J. Newman, (fovernment Entomologist,
AVestern Australia, have been dealt vith also.
Thirty-two species, representing seven genera, are proposed as
new, and of the former thirteen species, re[)i'esenting five genera, are
from New Cuinea, Bismarck Archijielago, and adjacent groujis of
islands. J)escri])tions are given also of the imago of one species
from New Cuinea and seven species from Australia, which have been
known hitherto only in the sterile castes.
The nomenclature used in describing wing veins is that of
Holmgren (1909, pp. 122-128), while the method of recording
measurements and colours is the same as in my earlier papers.
For the minute star and scale like structures found on the wiims
of most termites 1 have employed the term micraster (Tilly ard, 1919)
FooixoTK. — While the above paper was in eoiirBe of piiljlicatiou Dr. T. U. .Snyder’s pajier on '■ New
Tennites from the Soiomnn islands and Santa Cruz Arehi)ieia<;o ” (.lourn. Wash. Aoad. So. xv. (17 and
l!l) iSidij) name to hand. Tliis eontains de.scription.s of specier from the former iocaiity wlncli appear
to l)e very eloseiy allied to, if not iiiontical with, certain s|iecies now being devit with. It is proposed
to publish some rcvisional notes, if foiimi necessary, after a comparison of the type series has been
made,
TERMITES PROM THP: AUSTRALIAN REGION.
to clistiiiguisli tliem from the more typical microtricliia with which
they are generally associated. In recording localities ’■ (lerman New
(Ininea ” is used to denote the former (lerman territory on the Neu
(Ininea mainland.
1 am indebted to Professors Nils Holmgren, Vngve Sjostedt,
8. F. Light, Mr. \V. W. Kroggatt, and the authoiities of the South
Australian and West Australian Museums for tlie opportunity of
examining types and co-types of other authois, and to the first-
named for the examination of specimens and the gift of literature
not otherwise accessible to me. Professor Silvestri s assistance in
the identification of south-west Australian species not re.|)resented
in the A\'est Australian Museum is gratefullv acknowledged. Mr. J . A .
Kershaw, Curator of the National Museum of ^ irtoria, has facilitated
the preparation of this paper in every possible manner ; his
co-operation has been whole-hearted and indispensable, and is
acknowledged with gratitude. I thank Mr. -1. ( lark and many
other correspondents for the patience and labour they have ex-
pended in procuring sjiecimens for study, and i\Ir. Ewen jMackinnon
for very kindly prejiaring the photomicrograjihs of wdngs.
B.--THE TP^RMITE FAUNA OF NEW tUTlNEA, NEW BRITAIN,
NEW IRELAND, NEW HEBRIDES, AND SOLOMON ISLANDS.
8o little attention has been jiaid to the termite fauna of New
(fuinea and the islands referred to in this jiayer that little advantage
is to be gained from a discussion of the distribution of genera and
species within these possessions or from a coni})arison with the
fauna of the Australian continent ; it may be mentioned, however,
that of the seven genera recorded fi'om the first grouj) of localities
six are well represented in Australia. The remaining genus {Cwpri-
termes), which is rejjresented in Formosa, India, Africa, and 8outh
America, has not been recorded from this continent. On the other
hand, of the thirteen genera re^jresented in Australia Mastotermes,
tStolotermes. Porotermes, Lmcotermes , Parrh inotermes. PI am Hermes ,
and Ahamitermes are not known from New (luinea and the above-
mentioned islands.
List of termites from New Ouinea. New Lritain, New Ireland,
New Hebrides, and Solomon Islands, including thirteen new species
described in this paper : —
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REUION.
Described Castes.
Species. I.ocality,
Caloiermes {N eoternu-s) jmyua (Desn.)
German New
Guinea
X*
X
,, schuHzei Holmgr.
? J .‘5
Xt
xt
,, ferrmiiums Holmgr. . .
5 ? ' >
X
1 . .
(I’l or.yyjitoh xpeiscf i Holmgr. . .
New Hebrides . .
X
„ {(Jriiii/ofenncs) (iidoyihs, n. sp.
Papna
X*
X*
.. repentiniiy, ri. .sp.
New Britain . .
X*
(Glypiolcniies) raihf/iolahnitii, n. up.
1 5
X*
I . .
Cojdotenncti (lisae (Di'sv.)
German New
Guinea
xt
'
„ hyalua per \io\mgv.
J5
X
,, rewotui, ti. sp. . .
New Ireland ..
X*
X*
,, obiratus, n. s]).
New Britain and
Papua
X*
X*
solotnouensiy, n. «]>.
Solomon Islands
. .
X*
X*
Rhinolermes (limorplim (I)esn.)
German New
Guinea
xt
X
., „ Sub-sp. rohuntior (Silv.)
Bisiuarok Archi-
pelago
German New
Guinea, Cele-
bes, and
Sumatra
X
X
,, celebensia Holmgr.
X
Imnslucens Hav.
German New
Guinea and
Borneo
X
X
X
,, xwibraticus, n. k]>.
New Britain . .
X*
X*
X*
ExUermes gmllator (\)e&n.) ..
German New
Guinea
X
X
,, princeps (Desn.) . .
jy jj
xt
xt
X
., yracilirofilris (l)osn.)
y> yy
xt
X
„ novarum hebridurum Holmgr.
New Hebrides. .
X
,, rujirostris. n. sp>.
New Britain . .
X*
X*
,. yandiniensis, n. sp.
Solomon Islands,
New Hebrides,
New Britain,
New Ireland
X*
X*
X*
,, kaewieiiije/isir, ii. sp.
New Ireland . .
X*
X*
X*
,, vt.riioni Hill
N. Queensland
and Papua
xt
xt
xt
Microcerotermes hiroi (Desn.)
German and
Dutch New
Guinea and
Papua
X
X
X
,, ,, Hub-sp. brevior (Desn.)
German New
Guinea
X
xt
xt
,, papaaitus Holmgr.
yy yy
X
X
X
,, umbrilarsus, n. sp.
New Britain . .
X*
X*
X*
,, rcimynanfi, n. sj).
Papua
X*
X*
frogqaUi, n. sp.
Solomon Islands
X*
X*
X*
Capritermes schullzei Holmgr.
German New
Guinea
X
X
Mirotermes odontomachus (Desii.)
yy y>
xt
xt
X
♦ Described iu this paper. f Type or co-types examined.
[ 7 ]
^Vorke^.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAK REHIOX.
Calotermes (Neotermes) PAPUA Desiieux.
Ann. Mus. Xat. Hungarici, Vol. iii, 1905. Holmgren, Xeu-Huinea
Terniiten, 1911.
Plate figs. 1—4- ; Plate V., fig. 150.
Imago.
Head, anterior tliree-fonrths of pronotum and the
abdomen auburn ; posterior fourth of pronotum and ajiical margin
of abdominal tergites 2-6 darker ; meso- and metanotum, first
abdominal tergite, tibiae, tarsi and sternites dark brown ; remainder
of ventral surface and wings Brussels brown ; the whole insect
glabrous and sparsely clothed with fine, pale-coloured setae.
Head (Big. 1). Twice as long as wide, front slightly concave
and rugose, with very scanty moderately long pale setae. Eyes
large, nearly circular (0'513 x 9 •570), prominent and coarsely
facetted, separated from the lower (lateral) margin of the head
by a space equal to half their height, Ocelli large, broadly oval,
contiguous to the eyes. Postchqieus short, three times wider than
long, with four moderately long and stout reddish setae ; the arti-
culation of the mandibles forming a dark reddish-brown s])ot at
either end. Anteclypeus four times wider than long, anterior margin
truncate, yellow ochre in colour. Labrum brown, narrow at the
base, rounded on the sides to the truncate apex, one-third wider
than long,^ with scanty small pale setae. Antennae 17- or 18-jointed,
the 1st joint short and broad, narrowed in the middle ; 2nd half as
long as 1st, its widest part (aj>ex) as wide as narrowest part of 1st ;
3rd about as long as 2nd, but narrower at the base and wider at the
apex ; 4th nearly as wide as the 3rd. but much shorter, globose ;
5th to 15th increasing in length progressively ; 16th and 17th equal
in length to 15th, but narrower ; 18th markedly shorter and
narrower than 17th, narrorvest of all ; the 1st and 2nd joints with
only minute hairs ; tlie 3rd to 8th with a single row of large hairs
near the apex.
T/iora, r.—Pronotum not markedly arched transversely, the
margins produced, anterior margin concave, sides slightly rounded,
antero- and postero-lateral angles rounded, posterior margin slightly
emarginate in the middle, the entire surface uniformly and very
scantily clothed with setae similar to those on head. Meso- and
metanotum with posterior margin as in pronotum. Stumps of the
forewnigs large, showing the bases of the veins very distinctly,
covering two-thirds of the stumps of the hindwings ; setae as on
pronotum , stumps of the hindwings small and reaching only half-
way down the metanotum.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
m(js (Hg. 150). Witli the anterior margin (excepting at the
proximal end) ciliate, a few liairs on principal veins, none on mem-
brane or .small veins ; the four anterior veins and their branches
very distinct throughout their length ; tlie media connected with
the radial sec-tor by many stout cross- veins ; the cubitus distinct
only to the sixth or seventh branch, from thence onward its course
and the course of its remaining braiu-hes (seven to nine in nunibei-)
is indicated by irregular lines of scale-like micrasters similar to those
on membrane ; between the media and the cubitus there is a net-
work of these lines arising from the fcn-mer and extending more or
less distinctly to the latter, most distinct in the forewings, somewhat
obscure in the hindwings. In tlie hindwings the media sometimes
branches from the radial sector a considerable distance from the
cross-suture, which is markedly concave in the forewings.
Lecffi. — iShoj-t and stout, femora not markedly thick'ened ; tibiae
and tarsi dark c-oloured, tibial spurs long and slender.
Widest in the middle, tapered to the markedly
pointed apex ; the apex of each tergite fringed with minute pale
setae, a thin line of larger ones jcarallel to these at the apical third of
eacli tergite ; cerci large.
^ L easurements . —
Length with wings
,, without wings
Head, base to apex of labruni, long
,, base to c-lvpeofrontal suture,
long _ . ‘
,, (including eyes), wide
Antennae, long . .
Pronotum, long
,, wifle
W'ings, forewings, long
,, ,, wide
,, hindwings, long
,, ,, wide
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
Soldier.
Co/oc'r.- Antennae, labrum and dorsal surface of head orange
rufous ; frons and ventral surface ochraceons orange ; anteclypeiis
hyaline suffused with orange ; base of mandibles, the external
articulation of mandibles and antennal carinae very dark ; pronotum
yellow ochre narrowly margined with brown ; tibiae and tarsi
mm.
t 18-00 9 17-00
t 8-00 9 7-00
t 2-16
1- 70
1-80
2- 35 d- 50
1-02
1-80
12-50-13-00
3- 50-3-75
12-00 12-75
3-25-4-00
1-60
2- 25
TEKMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
lirown ; the whole insect glabrous ami bearing ver}' few moderately
long fine setae ; margins of the nota with a scanty fringe of minute
setae.
Head. \\ idest in the midtile, slightly i-ounded on the sides, very
broadly rounded behind, frons concave and slightly rugose, sloping
gradually to the clypeus. Clypeus short, three-fifths the width
of the head at its widest part ; anteclyjieus as wide as the labriim,
truncate in front. Tjabrum markedly ct)uvex. rounded in front
and on the sides, one-third wider than long, with five or .six moderatel}
long slender setae. Mandibles (Fig. 2) long and stout, the left with
two angular teeth near the apex and several smaller ones towards the
base ; the right with a short broad tooth in the middle and another
near the base. (Inla very narrow in the middle, Avhere it is one-
eighth to one-iiinth as wide as the head. Fjyes hyaline, rudimentary,
situated immediately behind the antemial fossae. Antennae (Fig. 3)
14- to 17-jointed. generally I h-jointed ; the 1st one-third longer than
wide at the apex, narrowed in the middle ; 2nd half as long as 1st,
nearly as Avicle as long ; 3nl as long and wide as 2nd, narrowed
at the base ; 4th a little narrower tluin 3id, shortest of all ; 5th a
little longer than 4th. as wide as 3rd ; 6th and 7th as wide as, and
a little longer than, 5th, globose ; 8th to 13th monilitorm. slightly
turbinate ; 14th to 17th becoming narrower progressively ; 17tii
very short.
Thora.r. Fronotuni (Fdg. 4) a little narrower than head, anterior
and posterior margins almost truncate, the sides rounded.
Moderately stout, femora not markedly thickened, claws
and tibial spurs long and slender. 8tyli present iii all (30) specimens
examined.
Meas^irements . — mm .
Total length .. .. .. 12 '00
Head to apex of mandibles, long .. .. 5 *13-5 -25
,, to articulation of mandibles, long .. 3 -50-3 -70
Mandibles (dissected out), long .. .. 2-00
Head, wide .. ' .. .. .. 2-55-2‘85
- deep .. .. .. 1-76^1 -93
Antennae, long .. .. .. _ 2 ‘50
ih'onotum. long . . . , l -lA-.l -90
^vide .. .. .. .. 2 -40-2 -50
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. p- 5 Q
Abdomen, wide . , . , 2 ’25
Nymfhae.
Colour. Lniform light yellow ochre ; wing rudiments very little
darker than remainder of insect.
Locality.- -New Britain, Kabaul.
1 10 ]
TERMITES FROM 'PHE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Biology. -Described from a large colony found in the trunk of a
dead cacao tree in a dense tropical scrub in raviiu' ((l.K.ll., 1.6.22).
beveral living trees of the same species were similarh' infestocl.
1 have referred my specimens to Desneux’s species with some hesi-
tation. I here is a marked dilTerence (3 ’00 mm.) in the length of
the body and a considerable dilTerence in the width of the head
in the soldiers (the otdy caste in which C. payva is known), but thei'('
are no im])ortant structural characters mentioned in Desneux’s
description to dillei'entiate the New (luinea from the New Britain
examples. In view ol the ])robability that a comparison of imagos
will reveal sj)ecific dilTerences not evident in the soldier caste, I have
described the New Britain S])ecimens in detail. I am indebted to
Professor Holmgren for exajuining my material atid fo)' co-tyj)es of
the allied species C. .‘^chvUzet llobngr. from Sepik, New (Juiiiea.
Calotermes (Neotermes) schultzei Holmgren.
Neu-(iuinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality . — German New Guinea.
Galotermes (Neotermes) ferrugineus Holmgren.
Neu-Guinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality.- (Jernian New Guinea.
Galotermes (Procryrtotermes speiseri K. and N. Holmgren.
Nova Galedonia, Zoologie, Vol. ii, L. ii, No. 6.
Locality . — New Hebrides.
Galotermes (Gryptotermes) gulosus, n. sp.
Plate J., hgs. 5-11 ; Plate V., tig. 151 ; Plate Vlll., fig. 152.
Imago,
Colour . — Ochraceous tawny above, legs aiiid under surface
honey yellow.
Head (Fig. 5).- Small, shagreened, much longer than wide, with
scattered setae. Eyes large fO’323 x 0‘255 to 0.306 x 0'272),
moderately prominent. Ocelli large, but not prominent, very close
to eyes. Glypeus one-hfth as long as \\ide, truncate in front, straight
on the sides. Labrum markedly convex, large, rounded in front and
on sides. Antennae (Figs. 6 and 7) very long, 15- or 16-jointed,
the basal joints short, 6th to 14tli increasing pi'ogressively.
T/zoma:.— -I’ronotnm reniform, the margin with a scantv fringe
of small fine setae.
1 H. ]
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Wings (Fig. 151). — The principal veins dark brown, very dis-
tinct, tiie smaller veins somewhat obscure; membrane (Fig. 152)
with minute scale-like micrasters, most evident on the veins. Stumps
of hindwings less than halt as long as those of forewings.
Legs- -Short and stout ; femora thickened, nearly half as wide
as long, spurs long and markedly serrate.
Abdo'tnen . — Long and narrow, almost without setae, except on
the apical margin of sclerites, where there is a fringe of hairs similar
to those on pronotnm. Cerci very short and stout.
Measaremients . —
Length, with wings
,, without wings
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, w’ide
,, deep
Hula, at middle of head, wide
Fronotum, long
„ wide..
Wings, long
,, wdde
Tibia hi, long
()UEEN.
Total length, 5 •00 ; abdomen, wide, 1 '25.
Soldier.
C'o/onr.-- Anterior jiart of head and mandibles black, the former
shading to hessian lirown jiosteriorly ; lateral cervical sclerites,
anterior lobes of pronotnm, a spot on either side of these and another
in the middle line at the posterior third also hessian broAvn.
Head (Figs. 8 and 9). — Short, broad, and high, broadest behind
the middle : frontal area excavated, rugose ; lateral and dorsal
margins of this area thickened and bent outwards and upwards to
form a flange, which is deeply and narrowly notched inid-dorsally ;
a short, stout, horn-like prolongation of the lower anterior margin
of the antennal fossa })rojects outwards and upwards well beyond
the Irons. Mandibles short and stout. Labrum wide at tlie base,
bluntly pointed in front. Antennae (Fig. U) 13-jointed ; the 4th
very short and wide, wider than 3rd ; 5th, 6th, and 7th progressively
longer and wider ; 8th to 13th moniliform.
Thorm (Fig. 10).- IT'onotum with, anterior lobes elevated, the
sides depressed, very little narrower than head, middle two-thirds
I 12 ]
mm.
9
25 -
9
•50
4
50 -
4
•80
1
20
0
90
0
95 -
1
00
0
50
0
18 -
0
■23
0
61
1
19
6
75
2
10
0
80
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
of anterior margin serrated, anterolateral corners rounded, sides
slightly curved, posterior margin sliglitly sinuate, a scanty fringe
of setae on margin, feiv elsewhere ; posterior margin of meso- and
metanotnm rather more sinuate than pronotum.
-Short and very stout, femora greatly thickened, nearly
half as wide as long ; spurs markedly serrade.
Ahfhme'H .. — Short and wide, with sliort pale setae at the apex
of each sclerite ; longer on the last three segments. Cerci sliort and
stout.
Measurements.- -
mm.
Total length (head at right angles to hody) . . 3 ‘90
Thorax and ahdomen, long . . . . . . 3'0()
Head, base to anterior margin of frontal
flange, long . . . . . . l'20-l '25
,, to apex of mandibles, long .. .. 1'62
,, wide .. .. .. .. 1‘20
,, deep .. .. .. .. 0'90
Antennae, long .. .. .. .. I'OO
Pronotum, long .. .. .. .. O' 78
., wide .. .. .. 1'14
Tibia iii, long .. .. ■■ O' 65
Abdomen, wide . . . . . . ■ . I'OO
Localit!/.- Papua, 30 miles south-east from I’ort M
oresbv'
Described from numerous alate imagos, two kings, two queens,
one soldier, and main' larvae and nvmphs ; found in association
with soldiers and workers of M icrocerofermes repncpums, n. s]i., in a
rotten log ((I.F.H., 22.7.22).
A ffinities. -The imago is very closely allied to C. 'pr Inins Hill,
from North (bieensland ;. the latter, however, has longer and
lighter colourefl wings and differently shaped ]U-onotum (cf. Figs.
5 and 12). The soldiers of these two species are (juite distinct in the
form of the head and pronotum. The soldier resendiles C. cynoce-
phalus Light, from Philippine Islands, but it is much larger and has
the frontal flange distimtly differently notched.
Types (imago, soldier, and worker) in National Museum of
Aictoria.
LaLOTERMES (LrYPTOTERMES) RERENTINIJS, U. S]).
Plate L, fig. 13.
Imago.
\Arv closely a.llied to C. (jnlosns, n. sp., from which it is distin-
o’uished by its smaller size, narrower gula, differently shaped, and
fess setaceous pronotum (Fig. 13), shorter and narrower wings.
i 13 I
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REOION.
Measurements. —
Lengtli, with wings
,, without wings
Head, from base to a])ex of ]al)runi, long . .
„ wide
Gala, wide
Pronotum, long
,, wide..
Wings, long-
wide
Tibia iii, long
LocalUt/. —New Britain: liabaul (type locality),
G.P.H., dune, 1922.
Described from two alate iniagos (5 and ?) caught in spiders'
webs under roof of bungalow.
Type in Xational Museum of Victoria.
CaLOTER.MES (GlYFTOTERMES) XANTHOLABRUM, 11. sp.
Plate V., fig. 153; Plate VI! 1., fig. 154.
Im.voo.
Colour.- M\)\)ev and lower surfaces very dark brown, nearly
black; basal joints of antennae Dresden brown; remainder of
antennae, femora, base of mandibles and apex of alidomen dark-
chestnut brown ; tibiae and tarsi whitish.
Head. -Very small, shagreened, with very few setae, these mostly
short, hue, ami pale. Byes small (0'204 x ()-255), hnelv facetted,
rather prominent. Ocelli small, close to eves. Cdypeus hvaline,
short and conijiai-ativelv narrow, anterior margin produced in the
middles. |)osterior margin straight. Labrum small, nearly parallel
on the sides and almost truncate in fi-ont, with a few nioderately
long setae near the apex. Antennae 11- or 12-iointed, the 2nd and
3rd joints ecpial, 4th a little shorter and wider. 5th to 10th or 11th
moniliform.
7V/u/-«,r. I’ronotum short and wide, reniform, markedly convex
when viewed from behind, the margin with scanty fringe of nale,
shoi't setae ; two pairs of long setae about the middle, one pair near
the median line, the other near the lateral margins ; an obscure
notch ill the posterior margin and a distinct median line from
anterior to posterior fiorder. Vlesonotnm slightly siinmte poste-
riorly ; metanotmn more rounded.
II riuj.'i (ligs. 153, 154). -Short and very narrow, iridescent,
superficially like those of Cryptotermes albipes Holmgr. Forewing
[ 14 ]
mm.
8-00
4-00
1*10
0*87
0-12
0’56
0-85
6-00
1 '50
0-78
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
with siibcosta very short or completely fused vvith costa ; radius
less than one-fourth the length of wing ; radial sector and media
stout like costa, close together, unbranched, parallel to each other
and to costii ; cubitus passing through middle of wing, with about
hve well-defined branches near base a.nd numerous others towards
a,pex indicated by rows of micrasters. TTindwing similar. exce])ting
that the media branches from the radial sector about the proximal
one-fourth of wing. Membrane light brown, suffused with darker
brown in anal area ; micrasters moderately numerous, bluntly
conical. a]iparently with pore at apex.
Legs.-^ -8hort ; femora greatly thickened, almost without setae ;
tibiae with scattered setae and short stout sours.
L
Abdomen. - Nearly parallel on the sides, bluntly rounded behind,
each tergite with a fringe of short pale setae at the apex, similar to
that on pronotum. Cerci short and stout.
Memurements . — mm .
IjCngth, with wings ( ^ ) . . . . . . . . 6'40
,, without wings .. .. .. .. 4‘00
Head, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long .. 0’74
,, from base to apex of lab rum, long .. .. 1’08
,, wide .. .. .. .. ..0-85
Antennae (12-iointed). long .. .. .. 0'85
IVonotum, long .. .. .. .. 0'62
,, wide . . . . . . . . . . 0 ‘74
Wings, fore wings, long . . . . . . . . 4'21
,, wide .. .. .. ..1-08
,, hindwings, long . . . . . . . . 4*10
,, ., wide .. .. ..1*14
Locality. As ew Britain : Rabaul.
Described from two alate iniagos ( i and 9 ) taken from a
spider’s web under bungalow roof ((f. F.H., 6.6.22).
A ffinitie,s. --This species differs from Cryptotemies alhives Holmgr.,
from Tjoyalty Islands, in having darker head and pronotum. shorter,
narrower, and darker wings, smaller eyes, the labruni. head, pronotum
and abdomen more setaceous, the setae much longer and darker,
wiiu'' micrasters fewer, larger and darker, and in the subspecific
character of the venation.
Type in National Museum of Victoria.
Coptotermes elisae (Desneux).
Ann. Mus. Nat. Hungarici, Vol. iii, 1905. Holmgren,
Neu-(4ninea Terrniten, 1911.
Locality - AQYiivan New (fuinea.
TEEMITES EKOM TEE AUSTJiAJEAN KEGION.
CoPTOTEEMES HYALOAPEX Ilolmareii.
Neii-Guiiiea Termiten, 1911.
Several soldiers collected from the interior of a house-stump
are undoubtedly referable to this species. (Type locality Bukana,
(lerman Mew (Tuinea.)
Locality . — Papua : Mambare River, near former international
boundary (Dr. (1. D. Vernon, 1921).
C'OPTOTEEMES EEMOTUS. 71. S]).
Plate 1., fig. 14.
Soldier.
Most closely allied to C. wicJiaelseni Silv., from south-west
Australia, from which species it is distinguished by its shorter,
wider and more pyriform head (ef. Pigs. 14 and 15)'; numbei' and
form of the antennal joints, sliortei', wider and less acuminate
labrum. Antennae Id-jointed, the 1st joint long, a little more than
half as wide as long ; 2nd, drd, and 4th about equal in leiu>th, a little
more than half the length of 1st and one-fifth narrower, the 2nd
cylindri('al, the 3rd and 4tli turbinate ; 5tli slightly longei' and wider
than fomth , bth to 12th approximatelv efjuai, s'lightb’ hmgei* than
5th ; 13th a little loi7ger than 12th aiid about as wide. Tlnwax aiid
abdomeii as in C. michaFhenl , but 7uore setaceous.
4 / easuremei its .■ — ■
Total length
Head, with mandibles, lono-
,, posterior margin to an-
terior margin of fon-
tanelle, long
wide
Antennae
Pronotum, lonsi'
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
C. remotns.
3 -50-3 -75
1-70
1-00
0-97
13- jointed
0-34
0-68
0-80
C. inichaelseni.
4 -00- 4 -30
1-76
.. 1-14-1 •20
. . 0-85 0-96
T1 -jointed
0-34
0-68
0-80
Worker.
Colour. (4-eainy white ; labrum yellowish white, articulation of
mandibles reddish. Head, thorax, and abdomen with scattered
I'eddish setae.
Head. -Nearly spherical when vieived from above, flattened on
vertex ; clypeus short and wide, five times wider thati lono' a?ite-
clypeus short, truncate in front. Labrum large, narrowed at the
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION
base, spreading out sharply at the basal fourth, then narrowed to
the rounded, apex. Antennae 14-jointed, the 1st joint long ; 2nd and
' 11 ^ little shorter and narrower, smallest of
a , ? til slightly larger than 4tlij more globose ; 6th to 13th monili-
form ; 14th a little longer and narrower than 13th.
d / ecmiremenU . —
Total length .. .. .. 3 '00
Head, base to apex of labrum, long . . . . 1-14
base to clypeofrontal suture j long .. O' 74
- wide .. .. .. .. 0-97
Pronotum, long .. .. ,, . . 0'34
wide .. .. .. ..0-57
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. .. .. 0'74
Aocai%.- -New Ireland : Kaewieng (Dr. 11. (1. Wallace, 4.10.23).
Described from a small series of soldiers and workers. It is the
smallest species at present known from the Australian region.
Types (soldier and worker) in National Museum of Victoria.
(V)PTOTERMES OBIRATLJS, U. Sp.
Plate I., fig 16.
(Sol BIER.
Dofour.-- Head yellow ochre ; labrum orange rufous ; thorax
light orange yellow ; legs and abdomen lighter than thorax.
Head (Pig. 16).— Long and narrow, not markedly widened
posteriorly; with a few long reddish setae. Pontanelle small, half
as wide as labrum, its margin dark and projecting very little. Clypeus
short, hyaline. Labrum long, acuminate. Antennae long and
slender, 16-jointed, the 2nd joint as long as the 5th, 3rd shortest and
narrowest of all, 4th a little longer and wider than 3rd. Gula at
its narrowest part 0'228, or about one-sixth as wide as head.
Thorax. -Pronotum deeply emargiuate iu front, not markedly
so behind, with rather scanty long reddish setae. Mesonotum less
sinuate posteriorly than pronotum ; metanotum nearly straight ;
setae as on pronotum.
Legs . — Moderately long, stout, and setaceous.
H6doWR/L- -Without dark pattern mid-dorsally (as seen in
C. acinaciformis Progg.), setae on dorsum as on pronotum, denser
on posterior part of ventral surface. Cerci very long and slender.
[ 17 1
1 (ios.— 2
'PERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
yi easurem-enis . — ■
Total length
Head, with mandibles, long . .
base to apex of labruin, long
,, base to frontal opening, long
,, wide
Antennae, long
Pronotnm, long
,, wide
Mesonotnm, wide
Metanotnm, wide
Tibia iii, long
mm.
5 '50
3-36
2-00
1-53
1-19-1 -22
1-70
0-51
0-91
0-85
0-75
0-91
Worker.
Colour. Head cinnamon bnfl ; frons whitish ; a small ferrn-
ginons spot at either end of ])ostclypens ; labrnm light orange
yellow at the sides ; remainder of insect whitish.
Head. — barge, widest part in line with antennal foveolae, nar-
rowed posteriorly to the broadly rounded hind margin, rather
scantily clothed with pale setae. Postclypens small, anterior
margin concave, posterior margin convex, about one-fourth as long
as wdde : antecly])eus about as long as postclypens, slightly produced
in middle. Labrnm small, Avider than long, narrowed at the base,
slightly widened before tlic middle, thence narrow-ed to bluntly
])ointed apex. .Antennae IG-jointed, tlic 1st joint long and narrowed
in the middle, 2nd about half as long as 1st, 3rd very small, 4th to
8th increasing in size progressively.
Thora.r . — Pronotnm deeply emarginate and bent np in front ;
posterior margin truncate ; moderately setaceous. Posterior margin
of mesonotnm truncate, of the metanotnm broadly rounded ; with
setae as on pronotnm.
Legs. Moderately stout ; femora with few setae ; much more
numerous on tibae.
HhdomcJL — Short, very Avide in the middle, tapered to the
bluntly pointed a])ex ; Avith setae as on thorax. Cerci and styli
long and slender.
Measurements. - mm.
Total length .. .. .. ., .. 4-50
Head, from posterior margin to apex of labrnm, long . . 1*53
., to clypeofrontal suture, long .. .. 1‘02
Avide .. .. ^ .. ..1-25
Antennae, long .. ., .. .. ..1-53
Pronotnm, long .. .. .. ..0-45
,, wide . . . . . . . . 0*85
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . . . 0-93
Abdomen, Avide . . . . . , . . 0-91
TEKMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REOION.
Locality . — Papua (Mekeo District) : Waima (type locality) ;
New Britain : Rabaul.
Describerl from numerous soldiers and workers collected in
native-made dwelling (G.P.H., July, 1922) from the rafters of which
the insects had fallen during the night on to a mosquito-net below.
When discovered next morning each of the soldiers had the mandibles
firmly imbedded into the fabric forming the top of the net. The
New Britain specimens were taken in the rafters of a native dwelling
by Dr. G. M. Heydon.
GJiaities.- This species is quite distinct from C. hyaloapex
Hoi mgr. and from other species from the Australian region ; it is
apparently easily distinguished from Oriental species. There is a
possibility that it is C. elisas Desn., from the Huon Gulf District of
German New Guinea, at present known only in the alate form. It
is an exceedingly destructive species, ancl undoubtedly the one
responsible for most of the damage to native dwellings.
Types (soldier and worker) in National Museum of Victoria.
COPTOTERMES SOLOMONENSIS, 11. Sp.
Soldier.
Very closely rela.ted to C. obiratus, n. sp., from which it is distin
oTusheri by the following characters r Head dark m colour (mars
Tmllow), a little less narrowed anteriorly, wider gula, IJ-jointed
antennae, larger fontanel le (O' 170 wide) ; head, thorax, and abdomen
noticeably less hairy.
M easurements . —
Total length
Head, with mandibles, long . .
,, to apex of labrum, long
,, to anterior margin of fontanelle, long
,, wide
Gula, wide (at narrowest part)
Antennae, long
Pronotum, long
,, wicle
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
mm.
5-40
2-56
1-99
1-36
1-19
0- 285
1- 50
0- 45-0 -47
0- 91
D02
1 - 20
Worker.
Closely allied to C. obiratus, n. sp., from which species it is
differentiated by its darker head (ochraceous tawny) ; much larger
ferruginous spot at end of clypeiis ; smaller Pronotum ; 15-]omted
antennae (3rd joint nearly always larger than 4th) ; markedly less
hairy head, thorax, and abdomen.
I 19 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION
Measurements . —
Total length
Head, from posterior margin to apex of labrum, long
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long
wide
Antennae, long . .
Pronotum, long
wide
Tibia iii, long
mm.
4-50
1 -48
1 -08
1 -27
1-25
0-3b
0-74
0-96
Locality . — Solomon Islands : Banaka.
Described from a small colony of workers and soldiers collected
by Mr. W. W. Froggatt.
Tv])es (soldier and worker) in National Museum of Victoria.
Rhinotermes niMORPHUs Desueux.
Aim. Mus. Nat. Hungarici, Vol. iii, 1905. Holmgren,
Neu-duinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality.- (lerman New Ouinea : Friedrich-Wilhelmshafen.
Rhinotermes himorphus sub-s]). robastior (Silvestri).
Die Fauna Sud-west Australiens, Isoptera, ii, 17, 1909.
Two soldiers and several workers from New Ireland (Kaewieng,
Dr. H. (4. Wallace) agree with the description of this species, the
type locality of which is Bismarck Archipelago (Ralum Louson).
Rhinotermes celerensis Holmgren.
Neu-duinea Termiten. 1911 ; Kungl. sv. Vet. Akad. Handl. Bd. 46,
No. 6, 1911.
Locality.- -derman New (luinea ; Bumatra ; Celebes.
Rhinotermes translucens Haviland.
Jr. IJnn. Boc., Vol. xxvi., 169, 1898. Holmgren, Kungl. sv. Vet.
Akad. Handl. Bd. 48, No. 6, 1911 ; Neu-duinea Termiten, 1911.
CorYdR//.-- derman New duinea ; Borneo.
Rhinotermes umbraticus, n. sp.
Plate I., figs. 17, 18.
King.
do/our. Antique brown to Budan brown; anterior margin
of frons and apice of wing-stunips argus brown ; under surface and
legs antique brown ; tarsi Budan brown.
r 20 I
T’EEMITES FEOM THE AUSTEALIAN EEGION.
Head. -Large, lieniisplierical behind the eyes. Eyes small
(0 323 X 0'391 diani.), slightly obhque, prominent, finely facetted,
0 136 from lower margin of head. Ocelli large, well separated
from eyes, in line with fontanelle, their posterior margin a little
behind a line drawn through the anterior margin of the eyes. Fon-
tanelle large, circular, with prominent maT'gins, sinuate fine furrows
arising posterior to it and passing forward on either side of it into
the frons. Irons convex, its antero-lateral margins well defined
by the transverse suture, the posterior margin not so well defined
but clearly extending to the fontanelle; clypeo-frontal suture
straight. Clypeus triangular, two-fifths wider than long, the apex
bluntly pointed and projecting markedly over the excavated ante-
clypeus, dark in colour, divided longitudinally by a distinct suture,
which passes posterioily into the frons. Anteclypeus hyaline.
Labrum large, convex, slightly narrowed at the base, swollen on the
sides, rounded in front. Antennae of doubtful number of joints,
only 14 and 15 joints remaining in king and queen ; the 2nd and 4th
equal in length, the 2nd quadrate, the 4tli globose ; the 3rd markedly
longer than 2nd and 4th ; 5th a little longer than 4th ; 4th to 14tii
moniliform.
Thorax . — Fronotum very large, slightly arched, the posterior
and lateral margins raised, the anterior margin nearly straight, its
extreme edge bent up, with an obscure depression in centre ; the sides
rounded, posterior margin slightly concave, a scanty fringe of lorig
and medium sized setae on sides and behind, a few similar ones on
remainder of surface. Wing-stumps very large, with scattered
large golden setae ; the base of the veins very distinct ; the stumps
of the forewings nearly covering those of the hindwings.
Legs . — Long and rather stout, with few setae, excepting on the
outer edge of tarsi, where there is a rather dense fringe of long and
moderately stout ones.
Abdomen . — Widest in the middle, bluntly rounded posteriorily ;
tergites with apical fringe of long golden setae like those on wing-
stumps, others scattered irregularly behind these. Cerci long and
moderately stout.
Measurements. - nim.
Total length — king . . . . . . . . 7 • 00
,, queen . . . . . . . . 7 '50
Head, to apex of post-clypeus, long .. .. 1'42
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long .. .. 1*14
,, to fontanelle, long. . .. .. .. 0'85
,, deep . . . . . . . . . . 0 *85
Fronotum, long .. .. .. .. ..0*74
,, wide .. .. .. .. f'20
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . . . 1 '80
Abdomen, wide (king) .. .. .. ..1*70
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Soldier (Small Form).
Colour . — Head and pronotum raw sienna ; labrum antique
brown ; legs cream colour.
Head (Fig. 17).— Short and wide, widest behind the antennal
fossae, broadly rounded behind, with only three pairs of long slender
setae (situated as shown in figure) . Labrum of typical form ,
extending beyond mandibles.
Mandibles typical. Antennae 13-jointed (rarely 12-jointed),
the 3rd shortest and narrowest. Palpi long, reaching to the apex
of labrum.
Thorax (Fig. 18). — Pronotum small, anterior margin markedly
convex and slightly elevated in the middle, sides rounded, posterior
margin slightlv sinuate, with three pairs of long slender setae,
arranged one on either side of the middle line and near the anterior
margin, one on each antero-lateral angle and one on each postero-
lateral angle.
Legs . — Moderately stout ; with scanty, long fine setae.
Abdomen . — ^Each tergite with six large setae like those on thorax ;
each sternite with about twelve shorter and paler ones. Cerci
very long and slender.
Measurements . —
Total length . . . . . . ■ . . . 2 * 10
Head, Avith mandibles, long .. .. .. I'lO
,, to posterior margin of fontanelle, long .. O' 52
,, wide . . . . . . . . ..0*56
Labrum, from anterior margin to clypeus, long . . O' 35
Pronotum, long . . . . . . . . . . 0 ' 25
,, wide . . . . . . . . 0'37
Mesonotum, wide .. .. .. . . 0'37
Metanotum, Avide .. .. .. .. 0'44
Antennae (13-jointed), long .. .. .. 0'96
Tibia hi, long .. .. .. .. .. 0'54
Abdomen, Avide . . . . . . . . . . 0 ' 68
Worker.
Colour . — Head buff yellow, AAuth dark reddish spot at either
end of clypeus.
Head . — Hemispherical, widest behind the antennal fossae, flat-
tened on the vertex ; AAdth scanty moderately long and stout setae.
Antennae 13- to 15-jointed, the 3rd and 4th more or less fused.
Labrum convex, rounded on sides and in front ; with a few long
setae.
Thorax . — Pronotum very short ; the anterior halt elevated and
margins rounded ; posterior margin as in soldier.
[ 22 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements . — jjin,
Total length .. .. .. 4'00
Head, to apex of labrum, long . . . . . . 1 ’25
,, to clypeofrontal sntnre, long .. .. Q-62
wide .. .. .. .. .. l-OO
Pronotiim, long .. .. ..0-34
wide . . . . . . . . 0'51
Tibia hi, long .. .. .. .. .. 0'68
Locality.- -New Britain ; Bai, near Rabaul.
Described from a small colony comprising 54 individuals as
follows : — King, queen, 16 soldiers, and 38 workers. Found in a
rotton log (Gr. F.H., June, 1922), wliich contained also the colony of
Eutermes rufirostris, n. sp., referred to elsewhere in this paper. The
absence of soldiers of the large form in young colonies of Rhino-
term.es has been noted in Australian species.
Affinities . — The most closely related species appears to be
R. dimorphns, the smaller soldier of which is larger than that of the
proposed new species, and has at least two more joints in the antennae.
The imago of Desneux’s species is not known . The i mago of R. umhra-
ticus differs from all other species known to the writer in having a
markedly protuberant postclypeus.
Types (imago, soldier, and worker) in National Museum of
ATctoria.
Futermes grallator (l)esneux). '
Ann. Mus. Nat. Hungarici, Vol. hi, 1905. Holmgren,
Neu-Guinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality.-- (Ternian New Guinea.
J^luTERMES princeps (Desiieux).
Ann. Mus. Nat. Hungarici, Vol. ih, 1905. Holmgren,
Neu-Gninea Termiten, 1911.
Jjocality . — German New Guinea, Dutch New Guinea.
Eutermes gracilirostris (Desneux).
Ann. Mus. Nat. Hungarici, Vol. ih, 1905. Holmgren,
Neu-Guinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality.- Aenimn New Guinea.
Eutermes novarum her rid arum Holmgren, N. & K.
Nova Caledonia, Zoologie, Vol. ii, L. ii, No. 6, 1915.
Locality.— ^ew Hebrides.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Kutermes RUEIROSTRIS, H. SJ).
I’late figs. 19-21 .
tSoLDIER.
(Colour . — Head buckthorn brown, rostrum burnt sienna ; antennae
and ])ronotum nearly as dark as head ; legs cream buff.
Head (Figs. 19 and 20). Almost s})herical in dorsal aspect, with
a few very long, and rather more very short setae ; rostrum long
and slender. Antennae (Fig. 21) 11-jointed (rarely 10-ioi))ted) ;
drd shortest and narrowest, 4th markedly longer and wider
than 3rd.
f^ronotum. Very small, less than half as wide as head, the
a,ntero-lateral angles prominent, the anterior margin slightly emar-
ginate in the middle, the hind margin less so ; with very few hairs.
Lefjs. Moderately short and stout, with scanty pale setae.
Ahdome/G - Short and broad, widest in the middle, pointed towards
the apex.
Meamremethtsr nun .
Total length . . . . . . . . . . 2‘65
Head, long .. .. .. .. IHO
» •• • .. .. .. 0-59
•• •• .. .. ..0-42
Thorax and abdomen, long . . . . . . 1-53
Fronotum, long .. .. .. _
wide .. .. .. ..0-25
Antennae (1 1-jointed) .. .. .. .. 0'81
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. .. .. 0-56
Worker.
Colour.- Head and antennae buff yellow, articulation of mandi-
bles showing distinctly as a redclisir sj)ot at either end of post-
clypeus ; thorax and legs cream colour.
//ead.-- Widest behind the antennal fossae, sides narrowed to
tlie posterior margin. ; frontal and transverse sutures indistinct ;
frons concave ; setae few, pale, some comparatively long ; post-
clypeus slightly concave behind, less so in fi'ont, three-eighths as
long as wide ; anteclypeus rounde<l in front ; labj'um short, markedlv
convex and ronnded, clothed with long and short setae. ’ Antennae
12 -jointed, 2 nd joint half as long as 1 st and nearlv as wide ; 3 rd
very short and markedly narrower than 2 nd and 4 th ; 4 th t<) 7 th
increasing in length pi'ogressively.
'rKRMITES FROM 'PRE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements.- -
Total lengtli .. .. 50 - 2 '75
Head, long . . O.74
wide .. ().0g
Pronotiim, wide 0-42
Tibia iii, long . . O.5]
- New Britain : Pmi, near Rabaul.
I lescribeil from a small colony, (ajni])rising 6 soldiers and about
20 workers, found in a rotten log ((J.K.H., 1022).
^ -Affinities. This spe.cies is easily distinguished from any New
Huinea or Australian form, and it is quite distinct from any species
Ironi the Oriental region known to the writer from specimens or
in literature.
Types (soldier and worker) in Natiotial Museum of Victoria.
KuteRMES VANDINIENSIS, U. Sp.
Plate I., figs. 22-26 ; Plate V., fig. 157 ; Plate VIII., fig. 158.
Imago.
Colour. Head dark brown, darker than pronotum ; thorax
mummy brown, labrum buckthorn brown ; clypeus, palpi, and legs
ochraceons tawny ; antennae a little darker ; tergites of abdomen
mummy brown ; sternites Prout’s brown, with large mununv brown
patches laterally.
Head (Pig. 22). — Moderately setaceous, some of the setae very
long ; rounded behind the eyes ; frons concave ; fontanelle small,
inconspicuous, in line wdth the middle of the eyes ; ocelli very large
(0‘187 long), broadly oval, near but not touching the eyes; eyes
very large. (0’5]G x 0‘460) and prominent, finely facetted, 0'242 from
lower margin of head ; postclypeus small, short rounded behind, the
posterior four-fifths moderately convex, with a fewv long and
numerous short setae, anterior one-fifth fiat ; labrum very small,
moderately convex, widest in the middle, narrowed to the bluntly-
pointed apex. Antennae 15-jointed, the 8rd joint as long as the
2nd and 5th, but narrower ; 4th and 6th as wide as long, longer and
wider than 5th ; 7th to 11th equal, longer than 6th ; 12th to 15th
equal, longer than 7th to 11th ; 9th to l4th turbinate.
Thorax (Fig. 25). Pronotum nearly straight in front, anterior
margin slightly bent np and emarginate in the middle, antero-
lateral angles roundefl to tlu' slightly emarginate posterior margin ;
surface densely setaceous ; meso- and metanotum clothed densely
with shoi't and a few long setae ; the posterior margin less sinuate
than ]»ronotum.
TEEMITES EKOM THE AUSTEALIAN KEGION.
Wings (Figs. 157, 158). — -Wing-stumps clothed densely with
moderately short and a few long setae ; cross-suture straight.
Wings brown, suffused with yellow behind the radial sector ; the first
five branches of the cubitus very distinct, the remainder clearly
defined to their termination ; membrane very setaceous and densely
covered with minute micrasters.
Legs.- 'Moderately long and stout, not very setaceous.
Abdomen. Widest in the middle, bluntly rounded behind, very
setaceous. (Jerci very short and broad at base.
asurements . —
mm.
Length, with wings
13 -50-41 -00
,, without wings
7 -00-7 -50
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
1-42
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
0-97
,, wide
1-40
Antennae, long
2-10
Pronotum, long
0-68
,, wide . .
1-20
Wings, fore wings, long
10-50
,, _ wide
3-30
,, hindwings, long
10-75
wode
3-30
Tibia iii, long
1-60
SOLDIEE.
Colour . — Head very dark brown, basal one-third generally with
large area paler in colour, apical half of rostrum more reddish than
basal half ; antennae russet ; anterior half of pronotum as dark
as head, posterior half and also meso- and metanotum mummy
brown ; legs Oresden brown, rather paler than abdomen.
Head (higs. 24 and 25). -IN early straight on top ; rostrum large,
moderately stout, about one-third as long as remainder of head ;
a group of short hairs at tip of rostrum and a few long ones on
antero-dorsal surface. Antennae (Fig. 26) l.S-jointed, the 1st short,
cylindrical, a little more than half as wide as long ; 2nd as Ion o' as
1st is wide, narrowest at base ; 3rd a little narrower than 2nd and
very much longer, nearly as long as 1st ; 4th as long as 2nd and as
wide as 3rd ; 5th longer and wider than 4th, shorter than 6th ; 6th,
7th, and 8th equal, longer than 9th ; 10th, 11th, and 12th equal’
shorter than 9th ; 7th to 12th turbinate ; 13th as wide as 12th.
Thorax.— Viowolwm small, the anterior margin rounded and
slightly emarginate, very little elevated ; posterior margin indis-
tinctly emarginate ; minute hairs on anterior margin, none on
posterior margin and few elsewhere.
1 26 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Legs. -\jow^ and coniparatively stout; with scanty setae, most
nnmerons on tarsi, some very long ones at proximal end of femoi'
and on trochantin.
Abdomen. -Large, widest in the middle, hlnntly ])ointed at the
apex ; first twm tergites with very long setae, a few only on each of
the others ; venter with rather scanty clothing of moderately
long pale setae and about twelve very long ones distributed over
last three or four stern ites. (Vrci very large.
Measurements.
Total length
Head, long
,, wkle
Pronotnm, long
,, wi(le
Tibia in, long
Abdomen, wide
mm.
4-00
i *42-1 -52
0-854) -95
0- 574) -68
1 - 70H -82
1 -004 -15
1-00
Worker.
Colour. -Head mars brown above, frons .tomewiiat lighter,
blotched ; sides much lighter ; frontal and transverse sutures pale
coloured, very distinct ; labrum raw sienna, its apex hyaline ;
clypeus buckthorn brown ; pronotum (innamon browm ; rneso- and
metanotum and abdomen ochraceous tawny.
Head. — Small, widest across the middle, glabrous, with few
setae, the latter comprising a few^ very long ones and rather more
short ones ; postcly^ieus moderately large, convex, more than twice
as wide as long, truncate in front ; anteclypeus very large, as long
as postclypeus, middle of anterior margin bluntly pointed ; labrum
small, narrow^ behind, wide in the middle, rounded in front, with a few'
moderately long hairs near the a])ex. .Vntennae 14- jointed, the
3rd shortest and narrowest.
Thorax. Pronotum small, anterior' half moi'e elevated than in
soldier, otherwise similar.
— Long and moderately stout, clothed as in soldier'.
Abdomen. Large, widest in middle, clothed as in soldier'. Lei'ci
large.
M easarements. —
Total leng-th
Head, base to apex of labrum, long
,, base to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
„ deep
Pronotrrm, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
mm.
4-50
1-42
0- 85
1 -19
0-68
0-28
0-68
1- 08
1-45
[ ‘^7 1
TEKMITES KKOM TEE AU.STKALIAN KE(E()E.
Locality.- -Bougainville Island (Solomon (Iroup) : Yandini ; New
Britain : Rabaul ; New Ireland : Kaewieng ; New Hebrides (from
\V. W. Froggatt’s collection).
Described frotn (1) three alate imagos, nmneroiis soldiers, and
live workers collected at Yandini (type locality) during December,
1923, by Dr. (I. M. Heydon, from blackish, rather brittle termitarium
on trunk of tree ; (2) numerous soldiers and workers from a similar
nest to aboye, Rabaul, (I.F.H., 2.(i.22 ; (3) soldiers and workers
from covered-ways on tree truidc in dense jungle, Habaul, (i.F.H.,
2.6.22 ; (4) soldiers and workers from coyered-ways on tree trunk,
Kaewieng, Dr. H. (1. Wallace, 2.12.23. Hdie New Britain, New
Ireland, arid New Hebrides series differ from tlie type series in
having workers with lightei' brown heads and soldiers with the lighter
area at the back of the head much more conspicuous.
Ajfin/ifiet!. —'rids sjiccies is allied to L. priibce}>s (Desn.), from
whicli it is easily distinguished by the size of the imagos and soldiers.
It is allied to several undescribed sjiecies from Australia. E. novarum
hebridarimi Flolmgr. is evidently a very distinct species.
'L’ypes (imago, soldier, and worker) in National Museum of
Victoria.
IdUTERMES KAEWIENCIENSIS, 11. Sp.
IMate I., hgs. 27, 28 ; Plate V., fig. 159 ; Plate VI 1 1., fig. 160.
Imago.
Colour.- -Hiead very dark brown, nearly black ; pronotum,
antennae, wing-stumps, and tergites of abdomen somewhat lighter ;
palpi, legs, wings, meso- and metanotum mummy brown ; clypeus
and labrurn yellow ochre ; anteclypeus hyaline.
Head (Fig. 27). — Very hairy, hemis])herical behind the eyes,
sloping in sharply from tlie anterior margin of eyes to the clypeus.
Fontanelle indistinct. Postclypeus short, one-fourth as long as
wide, convex, roundetl behind, truncate in front, clothed with
numerous long reddish setae ; anteclypeus longer than postclypeus,
anterior margin produced in the middle. Labruni short and broad,
densely setaceous. Fyes large (0*289 diam.), circular, prominent,
sejiarated from lower margin of head by a space erpial to that separat-
ing the ocelli from the eyes. Ocelli large, broadly oval. Antennae
13-jointed, the 1st joint twice as long as wide, cylindrical ; 2nd
less than half as long as 1st, narrow ; 3rd as long as 2nd, narrowest
of all ; 4th as long as 2nd and 3rd, globose ; 4th to 13th lengthening
progressively.
Thorax. -Bronotum concave and elevated in front, antero-
lateral angles rounded, sides narrowed sharply to the sinuate posterior
margin ; a deep yellowish linear depression half as long as the
'rKRMITKS FROM 'I'HK AlRS'rJRVLIAN RE(iI()i\.
width of })i‘onotum behind the anterior margin and a smaller rounded
depression in each corner ; the surface densely clothed with moder-
ately short and stout setae.
11 m(is (Figs. 151), 160). Mummy brown, the two anteriormost
veins and the hrst four or live branches of the cubitus darke]’ ; all
the veins distinct to the border : margin and memhmne densely
ciliate, the membrane sufliised with yellow behind the radial sector ;
the cubitus of both wings with eight or nine branches ; membratu'
very densely covered with micrasters.
Legs. -Moderately long and stout.
Abdomen.- Moderately wide, bluntly rounded at the apex ;
tergites clothed similarly to head ; ventral surface tawnv olive,
sternites 1-6 munnny brown laterally, the 6th also apicallv.
M easurements.
Length, with wings
,, without wings
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
,, from base to clyj)eofrontal suture, long
,, at and including eyes, wide
Fronotnm, long
,, wide
Wings, fore wings, long
„ „ wide ..
,, hindwings, long
wide ..
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide . .
mm.
!)-50
5 -50
0-1)7
0-6b
0-D5
0-40
0-68
7-25
1 -88
7-00
2-00
0 - 1)1
1 -U
Nv MRH.
Colour. ^ (Vea.my white ; wing buds fuscous ; total length 6 mm. ;
antennae 12-jointed.
Soldi KK.
(A)lou,r. Head hazel, a little lighter behind and in front, basal
two-thirds of rostrum chestnut, apical one-third lighter : antennae,
[U'onotum and tergites of abdomen suffused with yellow ochri'
remainder of insect whitish.
Head (Fig. 28). Widest in the middle, broadly rounded behind.
])osterior half (without rostrum) hemis])herical ; with a few pale
setae ; rostrum slender, nearly half as long as remainder of head.
.Vntennae mutilated ; the 1st joint half as wide as long, cylindrical ;
2nd two-thirds the length of 1st and nearly as wide; 3rd a little
longer than 2nd, narrow at base ; 4th as long as 2nd and wider than
3rd ; 5th to hth increasing in length progressively ; bth twice
as long as wide.
TEB-MITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Fronotum . — Of typical form, anterior half narrowed and bent
np sharply ; sides sloping abruptly to the rounded and slightly
notched posterior margin ; entire margin fringed with scanty
reddish setae.
Legs. -Moderately long and slender ; sparsely setaceous.
Abdomen.- -Wide and bluntly rounded at apex ; the tergites with
scattered, moderately long setae.
M easurements. — mm.
Total length . . . . . . . . . . 2’56
Head, from base to apex of rostrum, long . . . . 1 '02
,, wide . . . . . . . . . . 0’62
Pronotum, long , . . . . . . . O'll
,, wide . . . . . . . . 0‘34
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . 0‘39
Abdomen, wide . . . . . . , . . . 0’80
Worker.
Colour.- -Dorsal surface of head and labruni burnt ochre, sides
of head and frontal suture whitish ; articulation of mandibles
hazel.
Head. Nearly as wide as long, widest across the middle ; clypeo-
frontal suture only slightly concave ; cly])eus short, one-fifth as
long as wide, not markedly convex, with scattered setae as on head ;
anteclypeus small, produced in the middle ; labrum large, convex,
rounded on the sides and in front. Antennae 12-jointed, the 1st
joint long, cylindrical, one-third longer than 2nd ; 2nd slightly
narrowed at the base ; 3rd narrowest of all, as long as 4th ; 4th
wider and moi'e globose than 3rd ; 5th to 11th increasing in length
progressively ; T2th as long as lOtli, narrower than 11th.
Fronotum.^ HuvaW, saddle-shaped, half as wide
margins with scanty setae as on head.
Leg,s. -Short, moderately stout, and setaceous.
as head, the
Abdomen . — Short and wide, bluntly rounded at the
apex ; tergites
and sternites moderately setaceous.
Measurements.- -
mm.
'hotal length
.. 3-00
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
.. 0-85
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
.. 0-62
,, wide
.. 0-80
Ih'onotum, long
.. 0-17
,, wide
.. 0-40
Antennae, long . .
.. 0-85
Tibia iii, long
.. 0-40
Abdomen, wide . ,
.. 1-14
[ 30 1
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Loca/i%.— New Ireland : Kaewieng (J3r. H. G. Wallace, 4.10.23).
Described from one alate imago, four nymphs, one soldier, and
SIX workers. .1
Affinities. - The imago is very distinct from any hitherto described
Australian species, and appears to have no very close ally in the
Oriental fauna. The soldier resembles E. gracilirostris (Desn.)
in the shape of the head, but the latter is distinguished by its larger
size and differently coloured head.
Types (imago, soldier, and worker) in National Museum of
Victoria.
hlUTERMES {?) VERNONI Hill.
Proc. Linn. 80 c., N. 8 .W., Vol. xlvii., 1922.
Iwo nest series of soldiers, workers, and nymphs from Papua
are so closely related to the above species (from Townsville, N. (bieens-
land) that it is considered advisable to withhold a description until
imagos are available for comparison. The soldiers and workers are
smaller than typical exanpiles from ()ueensland. In the shape
of the head and segmentation of the antennae there is no appreciable
difference in either soldier or worker castes, but there are marked
differences in the nature and disposition of the hairs on head and body.
The termitaria also have some resemblance to each other, the slight
differences observed being possibly due to local couflitions.
Locality. - Papwd : Fairfax Plantation (B. F. Hill) ; Yule Island
(G.F.H., July, 1922).
Migrooerotermes riroi (Desneux).
Ann. Mns. Nat. Hungarici., Vol. iii., 1905. Silvestri, Fauna Siid-west
Australiens, 1909. Holmgren, Neu-Guinea Termiten, 1911.
Plate L, fig. 29 : Plate V.. fig. 161 ; Plate Vlll., fig. 162.
The following colonies appear to be referable to this species, the
type locality of which is German New Guinea (1) Imagos (Fig. 29)
and two forms of workers from Fairfax Plantation, neai' Port
Moresby, Papua (B. F. Hill, 1920), from a woody termitarium on
tree-trunk near ground. (2) Several nest series of soldiers and
w'orkers (two forms) from blackish, woody termitaria on trunks of
coconut palms, Ethel River (Mekeo District) and Kaile (30 miles
south-east from Moresby), Papua (G.F.H., July, 1922). (3) Imagos
(Figs. 161 and 162), one soldier and many workers, from termi-
tarium on tree-trunk. Collingwood Bay, Papua (Dr. G. H. Vernon.
1921). The imagos in (1) and (3) agree with each other in all details ;
imagos and workers from the latter colony have been examined by
Professor Holmgren, who considers them to be correctly referred
[ 31 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
to this species. There are no imagos in (2) for comparison with
those in (1) and (3). The soldiers in (1) and (2) agree with each
other and witli the description of M. birou excepting that the 3rd
joint of the antennae in nearly all cases is markedly shorter, and
nearly always markedly narrower than the 4th and' 5th. (In the
description of M. hiroi this joint is said to be generally a little
longer and broader than the 2nd, or subequal to it . . ^ . . .
In a few cases the antennae are apparently of fourteen segments,
the 3rd being more or less jierfectly divided into two segments!
of which the basal one is small, and shorter than the 2nd.'’ '’of the
writer’s specimens only a few individuals in a large colony from
Kaile can be so described). The soldier found in (3) agrees in all
details with the typical form. ’I’lie workers of all three series have
the 3rd segment shorter and narrower than the 2nd, and thus agree
with some of the specimens described by Desneux ; in other respects
they are typical. (4) ’Fwo colonies of soldiers and workers from
Darn, Pa]ma (W. W. Froggatt).
Measurements of imagos from colon v (1) —
mm.
Length with wings . .
5-50-6-50
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
1-14-1-19
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
0-91
j,- wide
0-93-0-96
Pronotum, long
0-39-0-47
„ wide
0-74-0-85
Wings, forewings, long
6-75-7-75
wide
1-99-2-00
,, hindwings, long
6-25-7-50
» wide
1-93-2-16
Eyes, diameter, generally 0-255 x 0-255, rarelv
0-289 x 0-289.^
Measurements of soldiers from hlthel River and Kaile,
Papua.- -
3'otal length
H ead, with mandibles, long
„ from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
:: wide
Pronotum, long
„ wide
Tibia iii, long
mm.
5 *25-6 *50
2 *62-2 -90
1-70
1 -08^1 -19
0-30-0 -39
0-68-0-74
0-85
Measurements of workers from Ethel River and Kaile, Papua.
Mim- mm.
Large form. Small form.
total length .. .. 4-85-5-15 4-00^-27
Head, long .. .. 1-32
» wide .. .. 1-08 0-90
1 : 32 I
TEKMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Mr. i^roggatt’s collection contains a very closely allied species,
represented by a nest series of imagos, nymphs, and workers collected
by him at Kikori, Papua. The imago differs from M. hiroi as
identihed by the writer in having larger eyes (0-323 x 0'323) ;
larger ocelli (length 0"102, as against 0’085) ; ocelli near to the eyes,
i.e., less than their short diameter ; antennae lighter coloured ;
wings somewhat lighter (more greyish), with different micrasters.
Desneux’s description would apply equally well to this species,
but until specimens have been compared with the types the species
of which all castes are available for study is here regarded as the
described form.
Microcerotermes hiroi, sub-sp. brevior (l)esneux).
Ann. Mils. Nat. Plungarici. Vol. iii, 1905. Holmgren,
Neu-Huinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality.- -iTeimmi New (luinea.
Microcerotermes papuanus Holmgren.
Neu-Uuinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality.- (lerman New (Tuinea.
Microcerotermes umbritarsus, n. sp.
Plate 1., hgs. 30-33 ; Plate V., hg. 163 ; Plate VIll., fig. 164.
Imago.
Colour. Head very dark brown, postclypeiis rather lighter,
antecly])eus cream colour ; labrum yellow ochre ; thorax and
abdomen lighter than head, but darker than postclypeus ; pleura,
tarsi, antennae, and palpi mummy brown ; sternites of abdomen
mummy brown, darkest laterally ; 6tli visible sternite of male
long and very dark ; wings dark brown, lighter than in 47. hiroi.
Head (Fig. 30). Densely setaceous, hairs of large and small
size, postclypeus straight in front, convex behind, one-third as long
as wide ; anteclypeus nearly as long as postclypeus, rounded in
front. F^es comparatively large (0-289 diam.), very prominent,
separated from the lower margin of head by a space equal to one-
third the diameter. Ocelli small, broadly oval, well separated from
the eyes. Fontanelle indistinct. Antennae (Fig. 31) 14-jointed ;
the 3rd joint verv short and narrow, almost hyaline , 4th to 8th
moniliform. increasing in size progressively.
Thorax (Fig. 30).— Pronotiim nearly straight in front, antero-
lateral angles rounded, sides sloping to the slightly sinuate posterior
margin ; the whole surface moderately densely haired. Meso- and
metanotum with posterior margin deepl} emarginate.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
M'ings (Figs. 163, 164) .^-Stumps of forewiiigs a little larger than
those of hindwings, densely setaceous, sutures straight. Radius
and radial sector dark and setaceous to the extremity ; the first
seven or eight branches of the cubitus very dark, all veins distinct
to the wing-border ; membraiie covered densely with minute
micr asters.
Lei/s. -Moderately long and stout; tibiae much darker than
femora ; claws and tibia! spurs very long and slender.
dhdomeM. - Nearly cylindrical, bluntly rounded at the apex,
moderately setaceous. Cerci short and very broad.
Me.asure?nenfs.
mm. mm.
Length with wings .. .. ^ 10 ‘00 9
,, without wings .. .. 5'40 9
Head, from base to apex of labriun, long .
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Fronotum, long
,, wide
AVings, forewings, long
„ _ wide
,, hindwings, long
,, ,, wide
Tibia iii, long . .
11-00
5-88
1- 19
0-68
1-00
0-40
0- 74
8-25
2 - 10
7-75
2-20
1- 50
Holhier.
Co/oRr.- Head Sanford’s brown (ochraceous tawny in young
specimens), darkest in front; anteclypeus hyaline; labrum orange
rufous ; thorax and abdomen clay colour, legs slightly paler.
Head (Fig. 32). Long and narrow, nearly twice as long as
mandibles, widest at posterior fourth, slightly narrowed to the base
of the mandibles, with a few long and short setae. Antennae
(Fig. 33) 13-jointed ; the 2nd joint long and narrow, distinctly longer
than 3rd ; 3rd shortest of all, as wide as 2nd ; 4th and 5th equal,
markedly longer than 3rd, globose. (Ada at narrowest part one-hfth
as wide as head.
Thorax. Fronotum a little more than half as wide as head, the
anterior margin bent up and slightly emarginate in the middle ;
anterolateral angles rounded ; posterior margin broadly truncate!
Mesonotum half as wide as head, ])osterior margin similar to that of
pronotum. Metanotum a little wider than mesonotum, the posterior
margin broadly rounded.
TKKMITES EKOM 'PHE Al^STKAUAX KE(;IOX.
Measurements. - iiim.
Total length .. .. .. o* 00-5 '50
Head, \vitli mandibles, long .. .. 2'40-’2’67
without mandibles, long .. .. l‘6o 1 HO
,, to apex of labrmn. long . . . . 1 ‘88-1 ‘00
wide . . . . . • . . 1 ‘08-1 ‘14
dee]) .. 0 ‘85-0 ‘00
Antennae, long . . . . . • • • 1 ‘oO
Ih'onotnm. long .. .. ••
,, wide . . . ■ ■ • 0‘62^
Tibia iii. long .. .. •• 0‘68-0‘74
Worker.
Colour . — (lenerally yellow ochre to ferruginous in the lai;ger
form; postclypeiis same colour, or a little lighter; Irons whitish.
In the smaller form the head is generally chestnut brown, wdth
pale head sutures and clypeus of the same colour as the remaindei
of head. In both forms the labrmn is clay colour and the articulation
of the mandibles reddish browui.
Head. Broadly rounded behind, nearly ])arallel on the sides
to the base of the mandibles. C'lypeus markedly convex, divided
axially by a distinct suture, the lobes verv prominent. Antennae
Id-jointeil ; the basal joints segmented as in the imago.
Measurements.
Total length
Head, long
,, wide
Pronotnm. wide
Tibia iii. long
mm. mm.
Liu'se form. Small form.
4-40 .. :H40
1-19 .. 0-85
0-97 .. 0-74
0‘57 .. 0‘51
0 -57 . .
Localitti. New Britain ; Beining District ((i.F.H., lU.b.22).
Described from a series of imagos. soldiers and workers from a
flattened, black, woody termitarinm, 8 inches high. 17 inches long,
and 12 inches wide, constrncteil on the ground m dense ]imgle on
hill-side. About one-half the nest was buried in loamv soil and
leaf-mould from which it was easily removed intact.
itfinities This species is closely allied to M . Jro(tfi<(ttt. n. sp.
•imf ■ / hiroi. From the former it is distinguish ed by the characters
;'kwred to in the discussion following the descnption i.t the new
dn'ls more fiirv liel.l Mul darker aiiteimae and palpi. Ilie
are verv difficult to separate from t lose ol .1/ hm>,. ivlnel,
“e S erallv a little smaller arid liave the sides of head more nenrh
'PERMITES I'^ROM 'I’liE AUS'l’RALIAN REGIOAE
parallel. M. hwns-mledoniae Holmgr. (from New Caledonia), the
imago of which is undescribed, has not been examined, but the
measurements of the soldier indicate a very distinct species. The
following nest series are referred to this species ])rovisionally :
(1) Chieen, soldiers, and two forms of workers, from blackish,
woody termitarium 4 feet long by 12 inches whle, on trunk of
coconut palm. 6 feet fron\ ground (New Britain, Beining District.
(uh.H., 12.6.22). I he cpieen, which agrees with the tvpe, measures
27 mm. in length by 7 mm. across the abdomen. The soldiers
dilfer from those in tlie type colony in their larger size, more rugose
Irons, and gcTterally differently segmeiited antennae. The latter,
in nearly all cases, have the 2rd joint longer and wider than 2nd,
and the 4th and 5th joints more elongate. The 2rd joint is very
rarely smaller than the 2nd, and then not markedly so. In the
worker caste the drd joitit is variable, being either distitictly smaller
or larger than the 2nd, and the head is darker, i.e., Dresden brown
in the larger form and mummy brown in the smaller, as is the case
in the following series :
MeasuremenlH of soldiers.- - nun.
Head, with mandibles, long .. .. 2 ‘HO 2-85
^vide .. .. .. .. 1-14
.Mandibles, long .. .. .. ()•()]
(2) ()ueen, soldiers, and two forms of workers from a termitarium
similar to (1), Init smaller, situated 3 feet from the ground on trunk
of coconut palm. New Britain. Neinduk (D.F.H.‘ 14.6.22). The
queen agrees with tlie type and also with the queen in (1), except
m the size of the abdomen, which measures 15 -GO nun. in length
by :D00 nun. in width. The soldiers are lighter (‘oloured and smaller
than those in (1). and ditfer froju the type series in some of the
measiu enients ; they agree with the latter in ahvays having the
3rd antennal joint shorter than the 2nd. Workers as in (1).
Measnrenievls of soldiers.
Head, with mandibles, long
M wide
Mandibles, long . .
Brouotum. long . .
V wide . .
mm.
2 -.50
0- 96-1 -02
0-91
0-34
0*62
(3) Soldiers and workers from a termitarium similarlv situated
to (2). New Britain, Toma (D.F.H., 8.6.22).
(4) Imago, from spider's web in bungalow. New Britain Toma
((I.F.H.. 8.6.22).
(5) Soldiers and workers. New Britain, Habaiil (Dr. (f.
ydon, December, 1923).
lew
M.
I I
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN KEOION.
(6) One brachypterous queen, soldiers, workers (two forms),
and many larvae and nymphs ; from termitarium similar to (1).
Xew Britain, near Rabaul ((l.F.FT., 6.6.22). The queen measures
4 '80 mm. in length by 1 '42 mm. in width; head mummy brown
shading to Dresden brown posteriorly ; ])ronotum, wing-pads, and
tergites of abdomen Dresden brown ; frontal and transverse sutures
very distinct ; eyes hyaline ; ocelli as in imago, antennae 14-jointed,
the 3rd joint very short.
Tvpes (imago, soldier, and worker) in National Museum of
Victoria.
Microc'erotermes repuonans, n. sp.
Plate b, figs. 34-36.
Soldier.
Colour. Head Sanford’s brown, darkest anteriorly ; ante-
clypeus hyaline ; labrum orange yellow ; mandibles dark reddish
brown, neiirly black ; remainder of insect cream colour.
Head (Fig. 34). — Long, slightly rounded on the sides, rounded
behind ; with scanty, moderately large reddish setae, most numerous
on postclv])eus. Mandibles (Fig. 3.o) comparatively short and stout,
finely serrated excepting towards the base, where there is a prominent
tootii on each mandible. Anteclyiieus short, anterior margin pro-
duced in the middle. Labrum large, broad, with several large setae
towards the apex. Antennae (Fig. 36) short and stout, 13-jointed ;
the 3rd joint distinctly the shortest and narrowest ; 4th and 5th
eipial, moniliform.
Thorax. — Pronotum narrow, anterior margin raised, rounded in
front, not emarginate ; anterolateral angles rather prominent
posterior margin broadly rounded, without emargination ; mth
scanty, moderately long and stout hairs, each side with a long hair
near the anterolateral angle. Mesonotum a little narrower than the
pronotum, the porterior margin less rounded and having a scanty
fringe of moderately stout hairs.
Lef/s.— Short and stout, with scanty, pale setae.
Measuremenis. -
Total length
FTead, with mandibles, long
,, wide
„ deep
Mandibles, long . .
Antennae, long . .
Pronotum, long . .
wide
Tibia hi, long
1-71
0-85
0-62
0-60
0-91
0-28
0-45
0-.57
1 37 ]
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
AVorker.
Colour. — Head buff yellow, with a dark reddish spot at the
articulation of the mandibles ; remainder whitish.
Head. — Almost hemispherical, flattened behind the clypeus.
Postclypeus large, convex, straight in front, convex behind, divided
axially by a distinct suture. Anteclypeus long, similar in shape to
that of soldier. Labrum large, convex, widest in the middle, rounded
in front. Antennae short and stout, 13-]ointed, the 3rd joint
shortest and narrowest.
Fronotum. — As in soldier, but with paler and finer setae.
Legs. — As in soldier.
Abdomen. — Long and slender, with scanty, pale coloured, short
setae.
Measurements . — mm.
Total length . . . . . . . • . . 3 ' 64
Head, to apex of labrum, long . . . . . . 0'97
„ to clypeofrontal suture, long .. .. O’ 68
,, wide . . . . . • • • . . 0 '85
Pronotum, long . . .. 0’17
,, wide . . . . . • . . 0*40
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. •• . 0’51
Locality. — Papua ; 30 miles south-east from Port Moresby
(G.F.H., 22.7.22).
Described from numerous soldiers and workers taken in a rotten
log with Calotermes {Gryptotermes) gulosus, n. sp.
Affinities. — This species is very distinct from any other hitherto
described from the Australian or Oriental Legions.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Victoria.
Microcerotermes eroggatti, n. sp.
Plate V., fig. 165 ; Plate VITL, fig. 166.
Imago.
Differs from M . umbritarsus , n. sp. in its smaller size and in
having the head and body a shade lighter in colour (more reddish) ;
eyes and ocelli smaller, the latter more distant from the former ;
pronotum very similar, but the posterior margin truncate ; meso-
and metanotum more hairy and the posterior margin less deeply
emarginate ; wings smaller, slightly paler in colour and with different
micrasters (cf. Figs. 163 and 164 with Figs. 165 and 166).
TERMITES EROM 'PHE AUSTRAUAN REOTOX.
Measurements. -
mm.
Length with wings (^ )
8 MR ) -8 • 50
,, without wings (t ) . .
-■)-40 fiMiO
Head, ifrom base to apex of labrum, long
()-'.)7
,, from base to clv])eofrontal suture, long . .
()Mi8
wide
0-',)l
Lyes, diameter
()-2:h8
Antennae, Id-jointed
Pronotnm, long
0-4U
,, wide
OMR.)
Wings, forewings, long
0-55
,, ,, wdde
1 -88
,, hindwdngs, long
0 • 28
,, w'ide
1 -88
Tibia iii, long
()-l)l
Abdomen, wdde
0 •'.)()
Potal length, ’24 MR) iniu.
(^>L'KEN.
abdomen, wide, b'oO mm.
SoLDIEK.
sp., but tlie head sometimes
mm.
(denerally a,s in M. umhritarsns, n
more nearly parallel on the sides.
Measurements.
Total length
Mead, with mandibles, long . .
,, without mandibles, long
,, wide
Mandibles, from external articnlation, long
(lula, at narrowest part, one-fifth as wide as head.
Pronotnm, long
,, wMde
WoRKEH.
Colour. Large form : I lead generally ochraeeous on ,
somewhat paler. Small form: Head chestnut brown with pale
sutures ; postclypeus distinctly lighter than remaindei of head.
'rhere are intermediate forms as regards colour and size ; other-
wise similar to the workers of M. umhntursim.
M easuremeuts.
Total length
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
from base to clyjieofrontal suture. Imp;
„ wide ^
Antennae, 12-
ITonotiini, long
„ wide
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wdde
5 •
00
5-50
2 •
fR)
2-85
1 •
6.T
-1-71
()•
4)7
1 -11
()•
•01-
-1 M)8
O'
■20
0-24
()•
■57
0M12
, clypeus
w
dth
pale
mm.
4 MR) 5 MR)
1 -25
OMiS
O-DT lM)d
()-28
0 -57-t) M)2
0M12
UM)6
I Ri' I
TEKMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Locality.- -i^olomon Islands; Pepisala (type locality) and Banaka.
Described from a complete nest series collected by Mr. W. W
Kroggatt from a termitarium constructed on the trunk of a coconut
palm, 'riiree colonies from similar nests and one colony from a nest
built on the ground were also examined.
A ffinities . — As indicated above, the most closely related species
appear to be M . umhritarsm and M. biroi (see notes on the former).
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Victoria.
Vapritermes schultzei Holmgren.
Neii-duinea Termiten, 1911.
Locality . — (lerman New (Juinea.
.Mirotermes odontomaghus (Desneux).
Ann. Mus. Nat. Hungarici, Vol. hi, 1905. Holmgren, Neu-duinea
Termiten, 1911.
Locality . — derman New duinea.
C.— A REVISION OF THE ArSTRALIAN LEUCOTERMES, MIORO-
f'EROTERMES AND MIROTERMES.
denus Leucotermes Silvestri.
List of known species, including those described in this paper : -
Npecies.
I.ocality,
Imago.
Soldier.
Worker.
Leucotennea ferox. (Frogg.) . ,
New South Wales, Victoria,
and South Australia
xt
xt
xt
,, paradoxus (Frogg.)
Queensland
Xt
x+
xt
,, darh Hill
South-we.st .\ustralia
X*
xt
X *
,, vttlidus (Hill) . .
Northern Territory
xt
xt
xt
,, occiduus, n. s]i. . .
South-west Australia
X*
X*
X *
vagus, n. sp.
Northern Territory
X*
X*
,, venustus, n. sp. . ,
Northern Territor\'
X*
X *
X*
,, barreMi, n. sp. . .
Queensland
X*
X*
X*
? Heteroterme.s plafycephalus
frogg.
South Australia . .
X
* DpRoribecl in this paper. f Type or eo-types examined.
I 40 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Leucotermes ferox (P'roggatt).
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. xxii., 1897. F'roggatt, Dept.
Agric., N.8.^^., Bull. No. 60, 1915. Silvestri, F'auna Siidwest
Australiens, 1909. Mioberg, Arkiv. for Zoologi, Vol. xii., No. 15,
1920. Hill, Bull. Ent. Res., Vol. xii.. No. 4, 1922.
Plate V., fig. 167; Plate Vlll.. fig. 168.
It is doubtful if this species is as widely distributed as is recorded
and until imagos are available for confirmation South-west and
North-west Australian records should be regarded as provisional
only. Michaelsen and Hartmeyer’s specimens from Serpentine,
Western Australia, some of which 1 have seen, are undoubtedly
referable to L. ocoidims, while others from the same collection
referred to L. ferox by Silvestri are doubtless L. darki. Of 88 nest
series collected by Mr. J. Clark in South-west Australia 86 are
referred to either L. darki or L. occiduus ; the remaining two series,
represented by soldiers and workers only, appear to differ specifically
from all described species. Midberg's specimens (soldiers) from
Cedar Creek, North Queensland, do not agree with PVoggatt’s ty])e,
nor with any other described species.
The imagos of L. ferox have 16-jointed antennae (40 specimens
examined) ; the 3rd joint is generally the smallest of all, but it is
commonly larger than the 4th. The soldiers generally have antennae
of 15 joints ; 16-jointed antennae are rare (this number occurs in a
co-type).
Locality. — New South Wales ; Broken Hill (P\ Shepherd) ;
Victoria : Lakes Entrance and Mallee District (E. E. Wilson), Sea-
ford (W. F. Hill) ; South Australia (Tepper, from South Australian
Museum collection).
Affinities. -This species is closely allied to L. occMuns and L.
harretti (q.v.).
Biology.- Most of the colonies examined by me were collected
under stones or logs or in the walls of nests of Coptotermes ; but in
one instance (Seaford, 4.10.20) a community comprising all castes,
including numerous alate imagos, was found in association with
Caloterm.es {G.) rufinotum Hill (= obscurus Hill nec Walker) in a
soft-wood verandah- post the interior of which was considerably
damaged by termites.
J/EUCOTERMES PARADOXUS (PToggatt).
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S,W., Vol. xxii., 1897. Hill, Bull. Entom. Res.,
Vol. xii, Pt. 4, 1922.
Plate IL, figs. 37-40 ; Plate V., fig. 169 ; Plate VI II., fig. 170.
A more detailed description of this species is necessaiy to dis-
tinguish it from others added to the list since the publication of
[ 41 ]
TIOKWri'ES KROM THK AUSTRALIAN RKOION.
Kroi^g.itt's m()n()^i'ci|)li. The meiisureineiits ^iven below include
those of co-ty])es (from the South Australiam Museum eollection)
and numerous spw'imeus from various eolotues compared with them.
Snyder (1924) has recorded the fact that ocelli are variably present
or absent in American species of Leiicofenne,s from the same colony ;
this applies also to the species under notice.
I MA(!o. (liedescribed.)
(U)lour. Head and body as in A. cUtrki \ wings [laler (tawny
olive).
Head (big. 47). Hong aiul narrow, rather densely clothed with
moderately long golden setae, longest and most numerous behind
and below the eyes. Ocelli generally present (DO per cent, in a
series of (14 s[)ecimens), small arid well separated from the eyes,
l^lyes small, sub-triangular (0.204 x 0.221) or round (0.221 x
0.221), not prominent. I’ostclypeus markedly convex, divided
axially by a distinct suture, with about 12 setae, the two median
ones on the anterior margin markedly the longest ; anteelypeus
hyaline, about half as long as wide, truncate in front. Labrum
yellow, small, markedly convex, widest at the basal third, with
scattered setae, those about the middle longest. Kontanelle small,
circular, very distinct. Antennae 18-, rarely 17- jointed ; the 1st
long ami stout, widest at the a])ex ; 2nd about half as long as the
1st, slightly wider at a])ex than at base ; 3rd nearly ahvays markedly
the shortest and narrowest, Init sometimes larger than 4th ; 4th
generally smaller than 5th, but sometimes larger ; 5th generally a
little smaller than (ith, but often eijual ; 6th to 16th or 17th monili-
form, increasing in length progressively and becoming more stalked ;
18th as h)ng as 17th and very little narrower. Variations other than
those noted occur.
Thoms. -Pronotum clothed similarly to head, large, narrower
than head ; anterior margin rounded, with a dee[> and wide emargi-
nation, antero-lateral angles broadly rounded, sides sloping to the
sinuate [)osterior margin. Meso- and metanotum with posterior
margin generally as in pronotum. but sometimes less sinuate, or
almost truncate.
WiiUls. Wing-stumps moderately densely clothed with long-
golden hairs; suture convex. Wings (Pigs. 16D, 170) long and
narrow, the margin, excei)ting the |)roximal tw’o-fifths of hind
border, moderately densely ciliate ; the radical sector, base of
median and the proximal branches of cubital veins yellowdsh, the
radial sector widely se])arated from the radius, the median branching
from it beyond the suture in the hindwing, bending down sharply
and passing through the anterior third of the wing, w-ith three or
four inferior branches beyond the distal fourth of the wing ; the
I -1^ 1
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIANS REGION.
cubitus with ten or eleven branches (some of which are forke<l), the
most distal of which join the posterior margin near the apex of the
wing. The membrane densely covered with micrasters and bearing
scattered minute setae.
Legs . — Short and moderately stout ; femora with very few hairs,
these mostly near the apex ; remainder of legs clothed similarly to
pronotum ; apical spurs long and slender ; claws long and slender.
Ahdo)nen. Long and narrow, clothed similarly to pronotum ;
cerci large, basal segment as long as apical and very broad ; styli
( 'o-typo
X-O. Mpccinirns.
asuremeiits . —
mm.
mm.
Length with wings
10- 00
.. 9 -50-10 *00
,, without wings . .
5 ‘00
.. 4-50-5-00
Head, from base to apex of labrum,
.. 1-14
long . .
1-00
,, from base to clypeofrontal
suture, long
0-85
.. 0-80-0-85
,, wide
0-85
0-85
Antennae, long
1 -70
1-70
Pronotum, long
0-51
0-51-0-57
,, wide
0-74
0-68-0-74
Wings, forewings, long . .
8-00
7-80
,, ,, wifle • ■
2-00
1-76
,, hindwings, long . .
7 -50
1 -82
4hbia iii, long . .
0-85
0-85
Soldier .
CoJoiir.— Head orange rufous ; pronotum and legs yellow ochre ;
mandibles dark ferruginous ; remainder of insect cream coloui.
Head (Figs. 38, 39).- TVith a few long pale hairs ; long and
narrow, nearly parallel on the sides to the antennal fossae ; iiearly
straight on top (viewed in profile), the anterodorsal prominences
very little elevated. Clypeus moderately large, half as long as wide,
truncate in front, a dark ferruginous siiot at each end. Labrum
lono- conical, pointed at the a]iex, where there are two long and
sevSal short setae, ( lula long and narrow, about three-sixteenths
as wide as head at its narrowest j)art. Mandibles of typical form.
Antennae 17-, or rarely, 18-jointed ; the 3rd joint nearly always
smallest of all, but sometimes larger than 4th ; 4th generally smaller
than 5th but sometimes larger ; 5th and 6th equal or nearly equal;
the remaining joints moniliform and increasing in length progressively
but verv sli<ditly ; the last about as long as the penultimate a ml very
little narrower ; other variations than those mentioned often occur.
[ 43 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Thorax (Fig. 40). -Pronotum similar to, but somewhat shorter
than, that of imago, with very scanty setae, the two impressions
behind the anterior margin very distinct. Meso- and metanotum
generally with the posterior margin very slightly sinuate, but very
variable.
Lef^s. -Hhort, femora very stout ; the latter almost hairless ;
oidy scanty hairs on tibiae. Tibial spurs and the claws long and
slender.
Abdomen. — 8hort and narrow, with scanty, small, pale setae,
mostly at the apex of the segments.
Co.-tyjK'.
N.Q. Specimens.
Measurements. -
mm.
mm.
Total length
5-00
5-00
Head, with mandibles, long
2 -39-2 -59
.. 2-50-2-60
,, without mandibles, long
1-42-1 -45
.. 1-48-1-60
,, wide
0-91-0 -98
0-96
5, deep
Mandibles, from external articu-
0-74 0-79
0-79
lation, long
1-02
.. 1-08-1-14
Cula, at narrowest part, wide
0-17
0-17
Pronotum, long
0-51
0-57
,, wide
0-66-0-68
0-74
Antennae, long . .
1-65
'ribia iii, long
0-70
0-79
Worker.
Colour. -Rend chamois, frons whitish, remainder of insect cream
colour.
Head. W ith scanty, pale setae, as on thorax ; large, widest
behind the antennal fossae. Clypeus moderately large, convex,
truncate in front, rather less than' half as long as wide, with a pale
ferruginous spot at each end ; antecly])eus large, about one-quarter
as long as wide, truncate in front. 'Labrnm large, convex, narrow
at the base, widest at the posterior third, bluntly pointed in front.
Antennae 17-, rarely lb-jointed, the 3rd joint shortest, generally
coalesced with 4th.
Thorax. -Pronotum similar to that (jf soldier.
Abdomen.— hong and narrow, with very fe\v setae, these small
and mostly on the apical margin of tergites.
Lefts . — Short and moderately stout, femora very stout, with few
setae.
hocabties. ^Queensland : Mackay (type locality) ; Brisbane (H.
Hacker, 13.9.12, all castes) ; Rollingstone (G.F.H., 21.2.20, ali
castes) ; Torrens Creek (G. F. Cook, Feb., 1922, all castes) ; Prairie
1 44 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
(J. R. Chisholm, soldiers and workers) ; Cordonvale (F. H. Taylor) ;
ownsville (G.F.H., all castes) ; ? Banks Island, Torres Strait (B. A.
Lnscoinbe, iinagos).
Ltioloijy.- 1 he soldiers in two colonies (without imagos) from
coastal sand-dunes near Townsville have antennae of 16, 17 or IS
joints, and are generally smaller than the co-types or any other
series that can, by their associated imagos, be definitely referred to
this species. Both colonies were found on the steins of dead
herbaceous plants which had been destroyed under cover of a pro-
tective sheathing formed of particles of sand cemented together.
The Banks Island specimens (four imagos, with ocelli) differ from
others in having slightly larger eyes anil 17-jointed antennae, the
latter wfith the 3rd joint shortest of all and the 4th larger than 5th.
rile colonies from Rollingstone and Torrens Cheek were found in the
interior of small standing stunpis and under the clayey jirotective
sheathing built around them by the termites. Other colonies, com-
prising soldiers and workers only, were found in the vicinity of
Townsville under logs or stones and in the abandoned nests of
Hmnitermes ivilsoni Hill. Numerous imagos were captured on the
wing in the same locality at dusk on 27th February after a heavy
fall of rain, and on numerous occasions betw'een 7th October and
27th February at lights in-doors. Mr. Taylor’s specimens from
Oordonvale include soldiers and workers found in sugar-canes. In
the original description the soldier is said to have the “ forehead
projecting and hiding the clypeus ” ; this is obviously an error
(see Figs. 38 and 39).
Affinities. -The imago is very cdosely related to L. mlidus and
were the soldiers not available for comjiarison one might now hesitate
to regard the latter as more than a variety. 4'he differences in the
imago are constant, though slight, and this fact, taken into con-
sideration with the more pronouncerl difierences in the soldiers,
appears to justify the retention of L. ralidus as a distinct species,
differentiated in the imago by its larger size, longer wings, different
wing micrasters, and stronger setae on thorax and abdomen. The
soldier of L. paradoxus has a distinctly shorter and relatively wider
head and gnla, more numerous but smaller hairs on head, thorax
and abdomen, slightly shorter and distinctly more slender mandibles,
sides of pronoturn more rounded, and posterior margin much more
dee.])ly notched.
Feucotermes clarki Hill.
Bull. Entom. Res., Vol. xxii, No. 4, 1922.
Plate V., fig. 171 : Plate VIII., fig. 172.
Owing to an unfortunate error descriptions of the imago and
worker of Hamit ermes obeimtis Silv. were substituted in the above
TKHMJTKS KI«)M TH K AU.S'l'RA !JA\ RKfJIOX.
paper for those of L. clarkl. The following descriptions are from
specimens from Mundaring, Houth-west Australia. All possibility
of these s]jecimens not being conspecillc with the type (soldier) of
L. clarkl, from Swan River, South-west Australia, has been eliminated
by a careful comparison of several riest series from both localities
with each f)ther and with the ty]ie.
Imaoo.
Colour. Head clay colour, suffused with brown on dorsal surface ;
antennae, clypeus and legs somewhat ])aler ; thorax and abdomen
clay colour to Dresden brown ; wings buffy brown, costal margin
distinctly paler (especially noticeable i?i s|)e(imens in alcfdiol).
Heud. Small, about as long as wide, moderately hairy, Hat
between fontanelle and clyjieus. ('lyjieus small, three-eights as long
as widen markedly convex, glabrous, divided by a distinct suture”
the articulation of the mandibles lorming a ferruginous s]iot at each
end, ])osterior margin arcuate, the anterior margin slightly concave,
two rows of four inoderately stout setae, the anterior most of which
is very near the margin. Antecly])eus very short, but as long as
postclypeiis, anterior margin truncate. Labrum very small, about
one-fifth longer than clypeus, wide at base, narrowed shar|)ly to
the rounded ajiex, with a fe^v setae on apical half. Antennae'' 18-,
more often, ID-jointed ; the 8rd generally smallest ; 4th a little
longer than 5th and 6th ; very rarely the 3rd a little larger than
4th. and the 4th^ smallest of all ; the remaining joints moniliform,
the last hve or six, excepting the apical one, more stalked than the
preceding ones. Dyes small, .subtriangular, vertical ami horizontal
diaineter equal, i.e.. 0-204 -0-238. not ])rominent. widely separated
(0-153 0-187) from the lower margin of the head. ()celli small,
broadly cival, very close to but not touching the eves. Fontanelle
small, cnculai, very distinct, in line with tlie [losterior margin of
the eyes.
Thorax. ITonotum of tyjiical form, narrower than head, the
anterior margin slightly raised, curved, with deep and narrow notch
in the muhlle ; anterolateral angles rounded ; sides narrowed to the
sinuate posterior margin ; a deep im])ression behind the anterior
margin on each side of the median line the whole surface moderately
setaceous, like lieail. Meso- and metanotum widely notched iioste-
riorly, both more distinctly than the |)ronotum. ' the mesonotum
more markedly than the metanotum.
Wings. Wing-stumps of the mesonotum larger than those of
metanotum. not quite reaching the apex of the sclerite • those of
the metanotum covering about two-thirds of its sclerite ' the base
of the veins very distinct Wings (Figs. 171 and 172) long and
slender ; the radial sector- darkest m colour, well separated from the
[ 46 ]
'rKHMlTKM K1IOM T[IK AUSTHAI.IAN KE(!I()jV.
Tadius ; median distinct only at its base ; the cui)itiis with eight or
nine branches, the first six distinct, tlie 5th, 6th, and 7tli often
branclied once oi‘ twice, ddie membrane densely covered with
micrasters and with a few mi mite setae.
LeAj.i. -Moderately stout, short ami hairy ; tibial spurs long and
slender.
Abdomeik — Long and narrow, widest about the middle, tapered
to the bluntly-jiointed ajiex. (Vrci moderatelv long, wide at the
base ; styli long and slemler.
.1/ easurernents. — •
mm.
Length with wings
.. 1;L25 1
,, without wings
. . 5 •50
Head, base to apex of labrum, long . .
1 -08
,, base to fontanelle, long
0-57
,, base to clypeol'rontal suture, long
o-oi
,, wide
1 -02
Pronotum, long
0-57
,, wide
0-85
Wings, forewings, long
12 -OO
wide
2-62
,, hindwings, long
.. 11-25
2-62
.”. ... ’•
'Pibia iii, long
o-oi
(h'KEN.
'total length, lo'OO mm. ; abdomen, wide, odlO mm.
Soldier.
.Vn examination of a long series of soldiers (from four colonies),
in which imagos are present and have been examined m verification
of the identification, shows that in this s])ecies at any rate there is
little variation m the size of individuals cotn])osmg the colonies as
indicated in the following :
Head, with mandibles, long
,, posterior margin to fontanelle,
long
,, without mandibles, long
,, wide
Pronotum. wide . .
liHiifje.
Average
2 -Ob :lli
, . :i-io
1-17-1 -42 .
. i-:ii
1 -IKl 1 -90 ,
, . 1 -98
1-14-1-22 ,
. . 1-17
0-88 1-02 .
, . 0-96
'Phe antennae are composed of 16 to 18 joints; 17 is the usual
number present, but 16 joints occur frequently, while the larger
number has been found in only one specimen.
[ 47 ]
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRAJJAN REGION.
Worker.
Colour. Head pale orange yellow. Irons whitish, a dark ferru-
ginous spot at each end of clypeus ; remainder of insect cream
colour.
Head. With scanty pale setae; nearly as wide as long, widest
about the middle, posWior half almost hemispherical ; frons flat ;
fontanelle small, but (list' net ; clypeus and labrum similar to imago.
Antennae 17- or lb-jointed, segmentation of proximal joints variable,
Thorax. I’ronotum similar to that of imago ; the posterior
niargin of mesonotnm and metanofum broadly rounded, with in-
distinct emargination in the middle.
LeijH.
setae.
Short and moderately stout, with scanty, pale, short
Abdomeui. Moderately slender, tapered to the bluntly-pointed
apex , with ])ale, short setae, as on thorax, rerci moderately
larue.
.1/ easuretneMs.
d’otal length
Mead, base to apex of labrum, long
wide
.. deep
I’ronotum, long
,, wide
Tibia, iii, long
mm.
4 - 50 - 5-00
1-31
1*14
0-57
0-44
0-82
0 - 75 - 0 -80
Localtfies. >South-west Australia : Swan lliver (type locality).
Dwellingup. Ludlow, Mundaring, Albany. Denmark, (fosnells. Lion
Mill, Boyanu]) (4. Clark).
A ffinities. I lie imago and soldier are distinguished from all other
described Australian species by their larger size. The imago is dis-
tinguished from L. ferox and L. occidinis by its much paler colour
and two or three additional antennal joints. The imago of L. ragus
vs unknown, but it is almost certain to be a very small form closely
allied to L. rennsfiis.
In addition to the above, Mr. Clark has collected several colonies
of soldiers and workers at Lion Mill which appear to belono- to an
undescribed species. 44ie soldiers in these colonies are intermediate
m size between L. dnrkUwvX L. Jerox and have antennae with 15 or
D joints, very rarely with 1/ joints. As none of the soldiers as-
sociated with the alate form of L. darki are as small as these thev
may be regarded as indeterminable until more complete series are
to hand.
TEKMITES FKOM TJJE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Biology. — Mr. Clark’s collections include specimens from 39
colonies, in four of whicli all the castes are represented. One of the
latter colonies was found in a termitarium occuj)ied by all castes of
Hamitermes obeimfin Silv. ; the remaining three were not associated
with other sjiecies. Thirty-five colonies were represented by soldiers
and workers only, of which number 22 were associated with Ilami-
termes obeimtis Silv., 10 with Eutennes occasus Silv., 2 with Eutermes
apiocephakis Silv., and 1 with Calotermes obscurus (ITalker).
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in National Museum of
Victoria.
Leucotermes VALimis (Hill).
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.AV., Vol. xl, Pt. 1, 1915. Bull. Rntom. Res.,
Vol. xii, No. 4, 1922.
Plate 11., figs. 41-45 ; Plate V., fig. 173 ; Plate VIII., fig. 174.
Imago.
Idle imago was described as having 16-jointed antennae ; the
number should have been given as 18, rarely 17. d’he segments
vary in form as noted in E. pamdoxns. ( )celli appear to be invariably
absent. The following are additional measurements from numerous
specimens collected near the ty])e locality : -
Measurements.- -
Length with wings
,, without wings
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Pronotum, long . .
,, wide . .
Mings, forewings, long
„ „ wide
,, hindwings, long
„ „ wide
Eyes, diameter
Tibia hi, long
Soldier.
Head, with mandibles, long
,, without mandibles, long
,, wide
„ deep .. ••
Cula, at narrow^est part, wide
Mandibles, from external articulation, long
Antennae, long
Pronotum, long . .
,, wide . .
Tibia hi, long
mm.
10-00-11
-50
4-50 5
-50
1-14 1
-19
0-85- 0
-91
0-85
0-51
0-74
9-50
2-00
8-50
2-10
0-221
0-85
2 -90~3 -20
1 -90-2 -05
0-97-1 -02
0- 85-0-97
0-17
1- 14-1-25
1 -53
0-62
0-85-0-91
0-79-0-85
'I'ERMI'PES FROM 'niE AUSTRAIMAN REOION.
/voca/i/y. -Northern Territory; Darwin (type locality) ami
Koolpinyah.
AffinUie^. -The similarity between this s])eeies and L. paradoxn.n
has been noted elsewhere in this paper.
liiolo!/jf. -V large colony of these termites, including many alate
images, was taken on 7th l)ecember near the type locality from the
interior of a hardwood verandah-post.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in National Museum of
\u(‘toria.
IjErOOTERMES OCOIOUUS, 11. Sp.
Plate II., figs. 46 M8 ; Plate V., fig. 175 : Plate VIII., tig. 176.
Imago.
Coloux. -Very dark brown ; antennae, palpi and legs lighter ;
clypeus Sudan brown ; anteclypeus hyaline ; labruni brown, like
antennae, apex hyaline ; apical part of tibiae and tarsi cream colour ;
wings fuscous.
Head (Pig. 46). — Longer than wide, with scattered pale hairs.
Pontanelle small, circular, prominent, in line with the yiosterior
margin of the eyes. Lyes small, sub-triangular, 0’170 X 0*170.
not projecting lieyond tlie sides of the head. Postclypeiis small,
markedly convex, arcuate behind, slightly concave in front, with a
distinct median suture and about twelve long setae : anteclypeus
very short, hyaline, suffused with brown. Labrum narrow at the
base, widening considerably at the ba,sal third and narrowed sharply
to the trumaite apex. Antennae (Fig. 47) 15- or 16 jointed ; the
drd joint smallest : 4th larger than 5th, ecpial to 6th, or llrd (rarely)
larger than 4th. and 4th smallest of all.
Thorax. Moderately setaceous, like head. Pronotum narrower
than head, anterior margin elevated, rounded and widely emarginate
in the middle, auterolateral angles rounded, the sides sloping to the
emarginate posterior border, a deeji im])ression on each side of the
median line behind the raised anterior' border. Posterior margin of
the mesonotum more widely emarginate than the pronotum, the
metanotum inor'e so than the mesonotum.
Winns. Vdng stumps unepual. with setae as on pronotum ; the
base (rf the veins distinct. Wings (Figs. 175, 176) long and slender,
the two auterioi'most veins widely se]>arated ; the median distinct
only at its base, with several branches beyond the middle to the
apex and posterior border of the wing ; cubitus short, with about
ten branches in tire forewing and about twelve in the hindwing.
Membrane densely covered with micrasters and with scanty minute
setae.
TERMITES FROM 'I’HE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Legs. — Short and moderately slender, with few setae ; tihial
spurs and claws long and slender.
Ahdom,en. —Long and narrow, broadly rounded at the apex,
clothed similarly to thorax, ('erci moderately long and stout ;
styli long and slender.
Measurements. -
Length with wings
,, without wings
Head, base to apex of labrum,
long
,, base to clypeofrontal
suture, long
,, base to fontanelle,
long
,, base to fontanelle,
,, wide
Antennae, long
Pronotum, long
,, wide
Wings, forewings, long
,, ,, wide
,, hind wings, long
wide
Lyes, diameter
L. occiduus.
L. ferox.
mm.
mm.
11 -00-11 -50 .
4-00
. 4-50-5-00
0-91
1-25
0-68
. 0-74-0-79
0-37
0-40
0-73
0-90
2-05
0 •40-0-45 .
' 0-47-0 -50
0-57-0-62 .
. 0-68-0-70
8-50
9-00
1-99
2-28
8-00
2-05
0-17
o-is
Soldier.
Colour. Head antimony yellow ; mandibles ferruginous ; re-
mainder of insect udiitish.
Head. -Long and narrmv, slightly wider across the middle than
elsewhere, broadly rounded behind, with very few setae. Antennae
(Fig. 48) 15- or lb-jointed (15 normally) ; the 3rd joint shortest ;
4th larger than 5th, equal to 6th ; or 3rd larger than 4th. Mandibles
long and slender, of ty])ical form. Labrum long, conical, one-third
longer than wide.
Thorax. —Vronotnni similar to that of imago. Posterior margin
of mesonotum slightly sinuate, that of metanotum nearly straight.
Legs. -Short and moderately stout, with scanty setae.
Abdomen. — Long and slender, widest about the middle, vutli
scanty pale, short setae. Oerci long and slender.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements
L. occiduus. L. ferox
"Fotal leiigtli
Kead, with mandibles, long . .
,, without mandibles, long
,, wide
., dee,})
Mandibles, from external articulation
long
.Vntennae. long
Pronotum, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
AVorker.
Colour. Head cream, witli a ferruginoi
cly})eus ; remainder whitisli.
Head. Slightly longer than wide, widest })art in line with insertion
of antennae, broadly rounded ]iosteriorly, with scanty yjale setae ;
sutures indistinct. (1y])eus and labruni as in imago, the former
markedly glabrous and convex. Antennae 15-join ted ; the 3rd or
4th joint shortest.
(co-type).
mm.
mm.
4 '50
.. 5-00
2-16
.. 2-50
1'33
.. 1-08
0'74
.. 0-91
0.62
.. 0.74
0-82
. 1-20
1-24
0-45
0-51
0-62
.. 0-74
0-62
.. 0-74
jiot at
each end of
T/R)mT. --Pronotum narrower than head, similar to that of
soldier, with scanty fringe of pale setae. Meso- and metanotum as
in soldier.
Leijs.- -Short and moderately stout, with few setae.
Abdomen. -Long and rather narrow, widest about the sixth
tergite, with a scanty fringe of |>ale, short setae at the apex of each
segment.
MeasureumUs. - mm.
Total length .. .. .. .. .. 3'40
Head, base to apex of labruni, long . . . . 1’08
,. base to clypeofrontal suture, long .. .. O' 68
,, wide . . . . . . , . . . 0'80
Pronotum, long . . . . . . . . 0'28
,, wide .. .. .. 0'51
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . 0'54
Localities. -South-west Australia : Mundaring (type locality),
WAngong. Ludlow, l)wellingu]j, (losnells, Lhidlow’s Well, Hovea.
Armadale (J. Clark), Merredin (L. -1. Newman).
Affinuties. This species is closely related to L. ferox, the measure-
ments of imago and soldier of which are given for com]iarison. Apart
from its smaller sHe the imago of the proposed new species differs
TERMITES PROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
from L. ferox in having the head, body, femora and wings slightly
darker ; venter less hairy ; ocelli slightly larger, more rounded and
in contact with the eyes (in L. ferox the ocelli are very narrow and
widnly separated from the eyes). The soldiers also are smaller tlian
m broggatt s sjiecies.
Biology. Of the 32 colonies collected by Mr. Clark, 28 were
associated with other species, as follows : -12 with Hamitermes .sp.,
6 with Hamitermes obeuntis Hilv., 4 with Eutermes apiocephalus
hilv., 3 with Eutermes occasm Silv., 1 with Coptotermes sp., 2 with
Coptotetmes sp., Hamitermes obeuntis and Eutermes apiocephat.us, aiid
4 with Hamiteimes sp. and iMirotermes hraepelmi Silv. Alate imagos
were found in March, April, and May. A brachypterous queen w^as
found in one colony.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in National Museum of
Victoria.
Leucotermes vagus, n. sp.
Plate IT, figs. 49-51.
Soldier.
Colour. — Head ochraceoiis tawny, palest anterodorsally ; ]iro-
notimi and legs somewhat lighter ; mandibles uniform dark ferru-
ginous.
Head (Fig. 49). — Long and narrow, widest across the middle ;
])osterior margin broadly rounded, anterodorsal surface raised into
two prominences, the front sloping rather sharply to the clypeiis,
which is moderately large and conspicuous ; anteclypeus hyaline,
nearly truncate in front. Labrum orange yellow, very long,
acuminate, the apex hyaline and bearing tw^o conspicuous long hairs.
Fontanelle small but distinct. Mandibles long, curved inwards at
the tip, with dentition as in L. venustus (Fig. 54). Antennae (Figs.
50, 51) 13- or 14-jointed ; the 3rd smallest of all ; 4th generally
markedly larger than 5th. Dorsal surface of head clothed rather
densely with short, fine setae, fewnr and longer on the front.
Thorax. — Pronotuni moderately setaceous, much narrower than
head, markedly emarginate in front, with a deep impression on each
side about the anterior third, anterolateral angles broadly rounded,
sides curving in to the rounded posterior margin, w4iich is rather
deeply notched in the middle. Meso- and metanotum broadly
rouncled posteriorly, the former faintly sinuate in the middle.
Legs.- -Short and stout ; femora markedly so.
--Slender ; clothed rather densely with pale setae ; cerci
short and moderately stout ; styli long and slender.
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements . — min.
Total length . . . . . . . . 3 '50
Head, with mandibles, long . . . . . . 2’ 00
,, posterior margin to fontanelle, long . . 0’86
„ wide .. .. .. .. 0-75-0 -85
,, deep . . . . . . . . 0-62
Mandibles, entire length . . . . . . 0‘91
Antennae, long . . . . . . . . 1-25
Pronotum, long .. .. .. .. 0*35
,, wide .. .. 0-52
Tibia hi, long .. .. .. .. 0-57
Worker.
Colour.- -Head somewhat paler than that of soldier ; remainder
of insect cream huff.
Head. — Moderately setaceous, very broad, almost parallel on the
sides and markedly rounded behind. Clypeus small, convex,
glabrous. Labruni markedly convex and broad, rounded in front.
Antennae 13-jointed ; the 2nd joint quadrate ; the 3rd always
shortest and narrowest ; the remaining joints, excepting the last,
moniliform.
Thorax.- -VTumoimn very much narrower than head, the anterior
margin sinuate, but not deeply emarginate as in the soldier ; antero-
lateral angles somewhat less rounded than in soldier ; sides and
posterior margin as in the latter. Posterior margin of meso- and
metanotum as in soldier.
Legs . — Short and stout ; moderately setaceous.
Abdomen . — C'lothed similarly to legs ; cerci short and stout ;
styli long and slender.
M easurements . — _
Total length . . . . . . . . . . 3*50
Head, from base to apex of labruni, long . . . . Q-97
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long .. 0-62
>= wide .. .. .. .. ..0-74
Pronotum, long . . . . , . . . . . 0-27
wide . . . . . . . . 0-44
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . _ _ . . 0 • 47
Locality . — Northern Territory ; Darwin.
Affinities.~Y\\m is the smallest described Australian species of
Leucotermes, its nearest ally being L. venustus, from which it is
easily distinguished by the shape of the labruni and fewer jointed
antennae.
Biology. The type colony, which was taken from an imported
soft-wood box lying upon the ground (Gr.F.H., 1.8.14), comprised
[ 54 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
many workers and a few soldiers and nymphs. 'Ihie latter were in
the stage preceding the final moult, the antennae then having 15
joints. Stained specimens showed no indication of the presence of
o(‘elli. A second colony (soldiers and workers only) was taken in
the near vicinity on :^6.10.1() in similar circumstances. In both
instances the ex])osed surfaces of the timber were encased in a thin
brittle layer of earthy matter under covei' of which considerable
damage had been done.
TyP6"‘^ (soldier and worker) in National Museum of Victoria.
].EUC(_)TERMES VENUSTUS, U. Sp.
Plate II., figs. 52-56 ; Plate V., fig. 177 ; Plate VI II., fig. 178.
Imago.
Colour. -Head and pronotum clay colour, remainder of upper
surface tawny olive ; legs and under surface cream buff ; wings
very pale buff, suffused with light brown behind the radial sector
ami between the first five branches of the cubitus.
Head (Fig. 52). Small, narrow, noticeably longer than wide,
moderately setaceous. Fyes small, sub -triangular (O' 170 vertically
X 0'204 laterally), finely facetted, not prominent, widely separated
from the lower niargin ' of the head. Ocelli wanting. Kontanelle
small, distinct, in line witli the posterior margin of the eyes. Post-
clyjieus cream buff, short, one-fourth as long as wide, arcuate behind,
straight m front, with a distinct median suture. Anteclypeus
hyaline, small, truncate in front. Labruni long and narrow, widest
behind the middle, then sloping to the bluntly-pointed apex, with
a few short, pale setae on the apical half, .\ntennae (Fig. o3) 16-
Qj. X7-]ointed ', the 1st joint short and wide i the 2nd half as long,
quadrate ; 3rd narrower and shorter than 2nd, very little narrowed
at base ■ 4th globose, a little shorter and narrower than 5th, smallest
of all ; oth, 6th and following joints to the 15th or 16th increasing
in length progressively but all relatively short and wide ; the last
joint as long as the 'penultimate, but narrower ; or, rarely, 3rd
markedly the shortest and narrowest, the 4th a little longer than
5th, but smaller than 6th.
T/ioro;r.— Pronotum moderately setaceous, very little arched,
lateral and jiosterior margins jiroduced, with a deep impression on
each side of the median line about the anterior third, narrower than
the head about one-third Avider than long ; anterior margin sinuate,
deeply emarginate in the middle ; anterolateral angles broadly
rounded • sides sloping slightly to the broadly rounded jiosterior
margin the middle of which is less einarginate than the anterior
margin' Posterior border of nieso- and metanotuin broadly trumaite,
Avitirindistinct eniargination in the former.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Wings. — Wing-stumps of the forewings large, about one-third
larger than those of the hindwings ; setae as on pronotum. Wings
(Figs. 177, 178) long and narrow ; the radial sector, the base of the
median and cubital veins and the first three or four branches of the
latter very distinct ; the radial sector widely separated from the
radius ; the median, excepting at the base, and the distal branches
of the cubitus ver}^ indistinct. Wing-membrane densely covered
with micr asters.
Legs . — Short and stout, moderately setaceous, the femora very
stout ; tibia! spurs long and slender.
Abdomen. - Long and narrow, narrowest at the base, widening
gradually to the fifth tergite, then narrowed to the broadly-rounded
apex ; the whole surface covered with pale setae. 8tyli long and
slender.
Measurements. - mm.
Length with wings . . . . . . . . 9’25
,, without wings .. .. .. .. 4 '50
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long . . . . O' 97
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long .. 0'74
,, from posterior margin to fontanelle, long .. 0'45
„ wide . . . . . . . . . . 0'74
,, deep .. .. .. .. .. 0'45
Pronotum, long . . . . . . . . . . 0'4‘2
,, wide .. .. .. .. 0'62
Wings, forewings, long .. .. .. .. 7'80
,, ,, wide . . . . . . . . 1 '70
,, hindwings, long .. .. .. .. 7 '50
,, ,, wide .. .. .. .. 1'75
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . . . 0'68
Abdomen, wide . . . . . . , . . . 0'62
Soldier.
Colour . — Head yellow ochre ; mandibles ferruginous at the base,
darker towards the tip ; remainder of insect cream buff.
Head.— Long and narrow, with scattered pale setae ; nearly
parallel on the sides. Labrum (Fig. 54) long and narrow, bluntly
pointed at the apex, covering one-third of mandibles. Mandibles
long and slender, curved inwards at the tip, the left with three
serrations and a large blunt tooth near the base, the latter opposed
to a pit in the right mandible. Antennae (Fig. 56) 16-jointed ; the
2nd short, nearly quadrate ; 3rd smaller than 2nd, but larger than
4th ; 4th smallest of all ; 5th onwards to 15th increasing in length
progressively, but all short and broad.
1 56 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REHION.
Fhorax. -Pronotum similar in shape to that of imago, but with
fewer setae and anterior and posterior margin more deeply emarginate.
Meso- and metanotum with posterior margin broadly rounded.
Legs. Short and stout, moderately setaceous, femora markedly
thickened.
Abdomen, — hong and slender, bluntly rounded at the apex, with
scanty setae. Styli long and slender.
M easuremients . — nnn .
Total length .. .. .. .. 3 ’50
Head, with mandibles, long .. .. .. 2 ’10-2 ‘28
,, without mandibles, long .. .. 1'31
,, from posterior margin to fontanelle, long O' 85
,, wide .. .. .. .. 0'74
Mandibles, long .. .. .. .. O' 96
Pronotum, long .. .. .. .. 0'40
,, wide . . . . . . . . 0'57
Tibia hi, long . . . . . . . . O' 60
Worker.
Colour . — Head pale orange yellow ; remainder of insect whitish.
Head. — Large, widest behind the articulation of the mandibles,
narrowed slightly to the broadly -rounded posterior margin. Post-
clypeus short, convex, truncate in front ; anteclypeus very small,
slightly produced in the middle. Labrum narrowed at the base,
widest at the posterior third, rounded at the apex, a few long setae
on the apical half. Antennae 15-jointed ; the 3rd joint smallest
of all.
Thorax . — Pronotum similar to that of imago, but with anterior
third slightly raised ; with few setae. Meso- and metanotum with
posterior border slightly sinuate ; with very scanty pale setae, as
on abdomen.
Legs . — Short and stout ; with scanty, moderately long setae, as
on abdomen.
Measurements. mm.
Total length . . . . . . . ■ . . 3 '00
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long . . . . 1 '02
,, wide . . . . ■ • • • . . 0 '80
Pronotum, long . . . . . • . ■ . . 0'29
,, wide . . . . . ■ . . 0 '51
Locality . — Northern Territory : Stapleton, 70 miles south from
Darwin.
Affinities . — The imago is easily distinguished from other described
forms by its small size, but it is probably very similar to the, as yet,
[ 57 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AHSTRALTAX REOIOAR
unknown imago of L. rufjus. The distinguishing characters of the
soldiers are referred to under the last-mentioned species. There are
four alate imagos in National Museum collection (collected hy
Mr. J. A. Kershaw, Claudie River, North (|)ueenslanfl) which differ
from L. venmlm apparently only in the size and density of the setae
on head, thorax ami abdomen.
Hiolofiy. ^ i his s])ecies is known otdy from a colony captured on
4.11.14 (d.K.H.) in small underground passages in wet, black, peaty
soil formerly covered with dense tropical jungle but at the time
under cultivation as a banana |)lantation.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Victoria.
Teucotermes barrktti, n. sp.
Imago.
C losely allied to L. J'erox (Krogg.), from which species it differs
in the following respects : Pleural sclerites lighter ; antennae, tarsi
and femora darker ; abdomen, especially the three terminal segments,
lightei , sternites 1 o and tergites 1 4 with apex jiale (not uniformly
dark) ; 8th sternite in male orange yellow : eyes much larger, more
[ironunent and nearer to lower margin of head‘(i.e., (1*08.5, as against
0-14T 0*170) ; ocelli larger (i.e., length 0*085, as against 0*068),
but about the same distance from eyes ; bead narrower ; fontanelle
indistinct ; wing-stumps of mesonotum shorter (i.e., 0*41), as against
0*50) ; prouotum with anterior margin nearly straight, without
emaigination ((hapily notched in L. femx) : mesonotum with sides
rounded and the posterior margin in the form of two rounded lobes ;
metanotum rounded on sides and behind, ivithout emargination (in
/v. feiox the sides of the. meso- and metanotum are nearly straight
and slope to the posterior margin, which is broadly notched in the
former and almost truncate in the latter). The antennae are muti-
lated ; the live basal segments are like those of L. fero.r.
MeasuremetUs.^
Length without wings
ffead, to a])ex of labriim, long
tn clypeofrontal suture, lono-
• , ‘ ‘ ’ t)
,, wide
Ryes, diameter . .
Pronotiim, long . .
,, wi(le
Tibia iii, long
(hoi measuiements of Jj. Jevox see under L. occiduus.)
iiini.
5*00
1*02
0*60
0*86
0*255
0*42
0*68
0*91
1 5« I
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRAIHAN ]{E(J1()N.
Soldier.
Very hkt L. fer ox, apparently differing only in liaving 17-iointed
antennae. 1 he :frd joint of the antenna is shortest of all, as is
geneially, nut not always, the case in Kroggatt’s species.
M emurements . — ■
d’otal length
Head, to apex of mandibles, long
,, wide
Fronotuni, long . .
,, wide
mm.
4 '50
2 '4-5
0'8-5
0'-51
0'68
Worker.
Similar to L. ferox, but having 16-jointed antennae.
Mmmremenls.
Head, base to apex of labrum, long . . . . 1-14
,, base to clypeofrontal suture, long .. .. 0'74
” •• •• .. .. .. O'Ol
l^ronotum, long . . .. .. .. 0-;54
” wide .. .. .. 0 - 5 P
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . . . 0'6i
Locality. — (Queensland : Rockhampton.
Described from a small series comprising one deiilated imago,
one soldier, and several workers and first-form nymphs. Collected
by Mr. Charles Barrett (10.10.24).
Types (imago, soldier and worker) [iresented to the National
Museum of Victoria by the collector.
Heterotermes platyceph ALUS Froggatt.
Rroc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. xxl, 1800. Desneux, (Jenera
Insectorum, 1004. Holmgren, Kungl. sv. vet. Handl. Bd. 40,
No. 0, 1011. Mjoberg, Arkiv. for Zoologi, Vol. xii., No. 15, 1020.
This species lias been referred to the genus Leucotermes by the
authors referred to above. The type series appears to have been
lost and no other specimens are known in Australian collections.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
(lenus Migrooerotermes Silvestri.
List of described Australian species of Microcerotermes :
DcscribevI Castes.
(H'ilJ-'ll.
Soldier.
Worker.
M krrocerolermes sermhts (Frogg.)
North Queensland
X=:=
Xt
xt
,, lumen (Frogg.)
South Qixeensland and
New South Wales
X
xt
X
,, (lisliuciuts 8iiv.
Western Australia and
South Australia
X*
X
xt
nanus (Hill) . .
Northern Territory
X*
xt
xt
,, parviee.jis Mjob.
South Queensland
Xt
X
xt
,, excisus Mjob.
South Queensland
xt
xt
xt
„ leai, ti. sp. . .
South Australia, Victoria
and New South Wales
X*
X*
X*
„ 'uerms}is^ n. s]>.
Northern Territory
X*
X*
X*
neivHmni, n. s]).
Western .Australia
X*
X*
X*
,, qladius, n. sp.
North Queensland
X*
X*
,, boreus, n. s|).
Northern 'Peuritory and
? Victoria.
X*
X*
X*
„ Jugac, n. sp.
Northern Territory
X*
X*
x=;=
„ laylori. n. s]>.
North Queensland
X*
X*
X*
,, menvJimiS: ii, sp.
North Queensland
X*
X*
X*
* Described in this paper,— — t 'I’j'pc or eo-types examined.
Microcerotermes serratus (Froggatt).
I’roc. linn. 8oc. N.S.W., Vol. xxii, 1897 (nec Haviland, Jr. Linn.
Soc. Lond., Vol. xxvi, 1898).
Plate 11., figs. 57-63 ; Plate V., fig 179 ; Plate VI 11., fig. 180.
Imago.
Co/nwr.- Plead and tliorax dark bay ; abdomen and pleura a
little ligbter ; jiostclypeus much lighter than head (Sudan brown),
antecly})eus hyaline ; labrum yellow ; antennae, palpi and legs
Dresden brown, coxae, femora arid tibiae suffused with much darker
brown ; sternites of abdomen mummy brown ; wings light fuscous.
Head. -Small, hemispherical behind the eyes, narrowed from the
eyes to the base of the clypeus ; very setaceous, a few of the setae,
especially near the eyes, very long. Labrum narrow at the base,
swelling out on the sides to the rounded apex, the. a]iex and sides
hyaline, a few long and numerons short setae about tlie middle.
Clypeus large, markedly convex, hemispherical behind, straight in
front, moderately setaceous, suture distinct. Eyes small, prominent,
circular (0‘221 X 0'221), separated from the lower margin of the
head by a space equal to the short diameter of the ocelli. Ocelli
small, broadly oval, well separated from the eyes. Antennae (Fig.
[ 60 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
57) 14 jointed ; the 1st joint short and stout ; 2nd much shorter
and narrower; 3rd smallest of all; 4th to 12th moniliform, in-
creasing in size progressively ; 13th and 14th about as long as 12tli :
14th broadly oval.
Thorax (Fig. 58). — Pronotum of typical form, markedly setaceous,
many of setae large, larger than any on head. Meso- and metanotum
very setaceous, but none of the setae very large ; the posterior
margin of these sclerites irregular in form, often malformed or serrate
as though damaged in adolescence.
mngs. ^ll'ing-stumps densely setaceous, as in pronotum, suture
nearly straiglit. Wings (Figs. 179, 180) long and narrow ; the
margin very setaceous ; the two anteriormost veins and the first
five or six branches of the cubitus much darker than the membrane ;
the other veins indistinct but discernible to their extremity ; the
radial sector very setaceous along its entire length, the membrane
near its base suffused with dark lirown ; the media with three or
four branches ; media of hindwing branching from the radial sector
well beyond the suture ; the cubitus with nine to thirteen branches.
Membrane moderately setaceous and densely covered with niicrasters.
Legs . — Short and moderately stout, very setaceous ; sjmrs ami
claws long and slender.
Abdomen. - -Long and narrow, densely setaceous ; the spiracles
distinct.
Measurements.- -
Length with wings . .
,, without wings
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Ihonotum, long
,, wide
Wings, forewings, long
,, ,, wide
,, liindwings, long
... ”
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, ivide
mm.
7 -50-8 -00
4- 25-4- 50
0-85-0 -93
0-51-0-56
0-81
0-39
0- 64
6-25
1- 53
6-25
1-53
0-76-0-85
1 -00
Queen.
Total length, 18 ‘50 mm. ; abdomen, wide, 3 '50 mm.
Soldier.
The soldiers vary somewhat in the size and shape of the head
(cf. Figs. 59, 60 and 61), the figure on right representing the com-
monest form), but as a rule there is little variation in members of
[ 61 ]
TEKMITKS FKOM TIfE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
the same colony. The measurements recorded here are of specimens
from thirteen colonies in which the alate form or queen is present to
confirm diagnosis. The original description and figure of the pro-
notum of this caste is misleading ; in reality the anterior margin is
not truncate but quite typical, i.e., bent up, and the anterolateral
angles are narrowed as shown in Fig. 6(). The antennae have
elongate joints (see Fig. 68).
M easurements.—^ -
mm.
Total length
4*75
Head, with mandibles, long . .
.. 2 -05-2 -73
,, base to labral suture, long
.. 1-19-1 -60
,, wide
.. 0-80-1-00
Mandibles, from external articulation, long
.. 0-85-1-08
Antennae, long
1-25
Pronotum, long
0-28
,, wide
.. 0-51-0-56
Tibia iii, long
0-71
Loculi ty. North ()ueensland : Torrens Cheek, Fentland ((1. F.
(Viok), Townsville and Magnetic Island ((l.F.H.) ;. New South AVales
(received from Prof. Holmgren).
Identification. The identification of the above-mentioned speci-
mens is based on a comparison of soldiers and workers from Torrens
Creek (type locality) and Pentland (50 miles from Torrens Creek)
with CO -types in the South Australian Museum collection. The
colony from Pentland includes alate imagos, which agree with those
in ten colonies fmni Townsville and Magnetic Island.
Afiin.ities. 'I'his species is most closely related to M. boreus
(q.v.). It is also allied to M . pcirnceps, but the latter is more reddish
in colour, has slightly larger eyes and much smaller ocelli.
Biology.- Fences, house piles, timber bridges. &c.. are often
seriously damaged by these termites, the presence of which is generally
indicated by small external covered-ways or " tubes,” or by more or
less extensive envelopment of exposed surfaces by a sheathing com-
posed of triturated wood and earth. Although the interior of the
wood, and especially the buried portion, is most severely damaged,
much of their food ap})ears to be derived from the weathered surfaces
of hardwood timber, in cracks and crevices in fences or dead forest
trees and bushes and other similar ]daces, where one may see the
freshly-gnawed surface in advance of the protective “ tube ” or
sheathing. This surface feeding is of little consequence as a rule,
but very often when the colony is situated in a slab or picket fence,
for example, the operations are extended to the concealed parts
between pickets and rails, or to the mortices, and thence into the
solid wood. Painted surfaces appear to be immune from attack.
The following notes will convey some idea of the habits of this
I (52 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
species;- Townsville, 19.1.20: Following a heavy fall of rain on
the previous night, a great number of imagos were seen about 8 a.m.,
either on the wing or running about the ground or fences in de-alated
])airs. In most instances de-alation was effected by the wings
adhering to wet fences or grass ; in others in the usual way, i.e., by
a backward thrust of the wings against the ground, first on one sifle
and then on the other. The source of the flight could not be
ascertained, but it appeared that “ swarming ” was taking place
simultaneously from many colonies situated in the soil near the
heavily infested and more or less dilapidated fence enclosing the
allotment. The life of most of the individuals taking part in the
flight was very short, owing to the attacks of small ants {Pheulole
megacephale) which pounced upon most of them as soon as they
settled on ground or fences after their short, erratic flight. Swarm-
ing ” continued throughout the morning, but it was not iintil^noon
that the actual emergence from the g
- - ^round was witnessed. About
this time many imagos were seen Hying from under the house, which
was built 4 feet from the ground on blocks, and they were traced to
a small circular opening in the sandy soil near one of the supporting
piles. Three or four soldiers and about a dozen workers were con-
gregated outside the opening, from which the imagos fluttered in
rapid succession. A search was made for the nest, but it was not
found until the following year, when it became necessary to replace
the pile owing to its ])artial destruction by McintoteTiues. In the
interval the soil in the immediate vicinity had been jioisoned with
arsenite of soda and all traces of termite life had disaiipeared. 1 he
nest consisted of a small mass of cells constructed of a woody com-
position and occupving a portion of the space formerly tekeii up bv
the sapwood. On' 10th December of the same year, while the soi
was still damp from heavy showers which fell on the 8th, diurnal
swarming ’ ivas again observed on this allotment. In many cases
there were as manv as four surface openings to each colony, from
which the imagos poured as rapidly as they could pass out ; in
others there was but a single opening. Workers were plentiful near
the exits, but soldiers were either scarce or absent. No tiirthei
“ swarming took place during the remainder of the wet season o
1920-1921 but on 13th March several alate imagos were captured
in the covered-ways on the adjacent fences. 'Phe next - swarming
occurred here from 25th to 29th December following, between which
dates over 5 inches of rain fell, mostly m |eavy showers of short
duration 'Phe flights emerged between 8.30 a.m. and b ]).m. and
alwik Iran 'ealteh a ahower. On -261, and 27th yve.nber.
1920' and 9th November. 1922, several colonies, inchiding many
aiate imanos were found on Magnetic Island (4 miles froin lowns-
'ville) in dead' tree trunks on the flat sandy country near Die beach,
and in the stems of small dead shrubs on the hill-sides. 1 he latter
were almost completely destroyed from the roots to the extremity
1 1
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
of the branches, only the bark remaining undamaged. In all the
colonies workers and imagos were very numerous, outnumbering the
soldiers by several hundreds to one. Surface terrnitaria appear to
be rarely constructed by this species, none having been found in the
Townsville Distric.t, where the species is commonly met with. The
specimens collectefl at Pentlaml were from a nest described as “ a
small, pointed mound, 6 inches high by 5 inches across the base,
found in well-drained open forest country.” Two colonies were
found near Townsville in the lower part of small terrnitaria of
Ilmnitermes ivilsoni Hill. In both instances a portion of the earthy
material forming the original nest had been removed and replaced
hj' A mass of wooily material in which the cells were unusually
large foi such a small sjiecies, i.e., from T?; to 2 inches across by
I inch high. Hie (lueeii occupied a somewhat smaller cell surrounded
by large ones occujiied by soldiers, workers and many nymjihs. The
latter show the hrst evidence of the developing wing-buds late in
June or early in July. i
type imago, with associated soldiers and workers, in the National
Museum of Victoria.
Mi(!ROCEROTERMES TURNER ( Kroggatt).
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. xxii, 1897. Mjoberg Arkiv. for
Zoologi. Vol. xii, No. 15, 1920.
A small colony of soldiers and workers taken under a log in the
Blackall Ranges, South (Queensland (F. F. AVilson, October, 1920).
with Lemotermes sp. (soldiers and workers), agree with co-types
(from Mackay, (Queensland) and with specimens from the collections
of Prof IJohngren and Dr. Mjoberg, from New South AVales and
(Queensland respectively.
Miorocerotermes distinctus iSilvestri.
Die Fauna Sudwest-Australiens. Bd. ii. Lief. 17, 1909. Mjdberg,
Arkiv. for Zoologi. Vol. xii, No. 15, 1920.
Plate II., figs. 64 66 ; Plate V., fig. 181 ; Plate VIII., fig. 182.
I.UAGO.
Colou,r. -\erj dark brown, head and pronotum darkest; post-
clypeus and labrum somewhat lighter than abdomen ; anteclypeus
yellow^; palpi and legs dark, darker than antennae : under surface
dark brown ; apical margin of tergites and sternites and the tarsi
testaceous. The whole insect rather densely clothed with pale setae.
Head (Fig. 64).- -Large, broadly rounded behind, flat on summit
Irons concave. Postclypeus large, about half as long as wide.’
markedly convex, rounded behind, with a distinct suture, anterior
margin broadly tiuncate, with scattered setae ; anteclypeus verv
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
short, anterior margin sligiitly produced in the middle. Lahrum
short and wide, widest across the middle, broadly rounded in front,
with scattered moderately long setae. Palpi very dark, apex of
terminal joint pale. Eyes small (O’ 187 diameter), circular, pro-
minent, finely facetted, separated from the lower margin of the head
by a space equal to half their diameter. Ocelli small, broadly oval,
well separated from the eyes. Antennae (Fig. 66) 14-jointed ; the
1st joint short, one-fifth longer than wide ; 2nd half as long as 1st.
a little longer than wide ; 3rd very short and narrow ; 4th to 13th
increasing in size progressively ; 14th longer than 13th, about as
long as 1st. Fontanelle represented by a linear ])rominence.
Thorax (Fig. 65). — Pronotum, narrower than head, anterior
margin nearly straight and slightly bent up anterolateral angles
rounded, sides slo])ing to the slightly emarginate posterior border.
Posterior margin of mesonotum markedly sinuate ; that of meta-
notum very irregular, geHerally approximating the form shown in
figure.
Wings.- Wing-stumps rather densely clothed with long pale
hairs. Wings (Figs. 181, 182) light fuscous, with the two anterior
veins and the first 5 or 6 branches of the cubitus dark, margin
moderately densely ciliate except on the basal one-third of the hind
margin. JMedian vein passing through the wing slightly above the
middle, indistinct except at the base, with three or four branches to
the posterior border. Cubitus with seven or eight branches, two or
three of which are generally branched. Wing-membrane wdth
minute micrasters and numerous small setae ; the latter apparently
wanting, or almost wmnting, on hindwdngs.
Legs . — Short and rather slender, moderately setaceous.
Abdomen.- Long, narrowed at the base, nearly parallel on the
sides from the 3rd to 6th segments, broadly rounded at the apex.
Tergites and sternites markedly setaceous. C'erci small.
asurements.^ --
mm.
Length without wings
.. 4’50-5’00
Head, base to apex of labrum, long . .
. 0’9W0’97
„ base to clypeofrontal suture, long
.. O’ 57-0 -62
,, at and including eyes, wdde
0 ’ 85
Pronotum, long
0’45
,, wide
0’74
Wings, forewings, long
8’00
„ wide
1-88
,, hindwings, long
7 ’25
„ wide
1’95
Tibia iii, long
0’78
1 (i08. — 5
[ ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAX REGION.
Soldier.
Measurements . — mm.
Total leiifrth . . . . . . . . 5 '10-5 '2.5
Head, with mandibles, loner .. .. .. 2 '45-2 62
wide .. .. .. .. O' 96
deep .. .. .. .. 0-79-CI-85
Mandibles, from external articulation, long . . O' 79-0 -So
Antennae, long . . . . . . . . 1 • .33
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . 0'74
For other details, see description and figures by .Silvestri.
Locality . — South Australia ; AVesteni Australia : Merriden.
Described from a small colony from the South Australian Museum
collection. The identification is based upon the original description
and figures of the soldier and worker castes, and on a comparison of
workers with co-types. The latter, however, are of little value for
specific diagnosis of closely allied species. The measurements of
soldiers differ slightly from those given by Silvestri (" Long. corp.
mm. 5'.o. long, capitis 2‘0, lat. capitis O’ 98. altitudo capitis O’ 87
long, antennarum 1’32, mandibularum 0’97. tibia iii 0’84 '■). but as
there is complete agreement in all other respects it has been deemed
advisable to refer the South Au.strahan specimens to this species
pending an examination of imagos from the. type locality (Coolgardie.
M e.steni Au.stralia). Styli appear to be ivanting in all the specimens
examined by the MTiter. A small nest series of soldiers and workers
collected at Merriden, M estein Australia, by Mr. L. -J. Xewnian are
doubtle.ss correctly refen-ed to this species', although the measure-
ments of the soldiers differ slightly from the above. The soldiers
described by Silvestri and those in the South Australian series
appear to have a short and wide labruin and there is no visible
anteclypeiis ; one of the 41erriden specimens has a still more retracted
labnim. but in the remainder of the series the labruin appears to be
much hniger and a little iiarroiver and the anteclypeiis is ven* evident
4 he difference in the degree of retraction of these organs and the
\ ariation in the .size and colour of the head of soldiers from different
colonies are apt to be misleading.
Mea.siirements of soldiers from Merriden. AA esterii Australia. —
mm.
Total length .. .. .. -5 ’00-5 ’40
Head, with mandibles, long . . . . 2 ’50-2 ’80
” .. .. 0’ 85-0 ’90
>’ ■■ ■■ .. .. 0’74-0’80
Antennae, long .. .. 1’4’^
Mandibles from external articulation, long . 0’85
Tibia iii, long .. .. _ _ ® g.0g
[ ]
TEKMITKS FROINI THE AU8TRAUAN REGIOX.
A very closely allied species, or possibly a small form of M.
distinctus, is represented in my collection by two colonies of workers
and soldiers from Hovea, 8outh-west Anstralia and Jigalono’, North-
west Australia (collected by Mr. J. ('lark and Mr. -I. Hickmer
respectively). The measurements of the soldiers are ; J.iength of
head with mandibles 2'39; without mandibles 1'48; width of
head O' 91. In size they are intermediate between typical examples
of d/. distinctus and M. v,emnani and in gross a|)pearance closely
resemble the latter in having long narrow heads and short stout
mandibles ; they differ, however, as follows : In having larger
heads, stouter mandibles, more rounded labrum (the latter with
two long setae at its apex), different arrangement of setae on clypeus
longer jointed antennae, pronotum with anterior margin only faintly
emarginate and with many more setae.
Type imago in the South Australian Museum.
Miceocerotermes nanus (Hill).
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.AV., Vol. xl, 1915. Instit. Sci. and Ind.,
Bull. 21, 1921.
Plate IT, figs 67-71 ; Plate VI., fig. 183; Plate IX., fig. 184.
Imago.
Colour. -Head and pronotum chestnut, abdominal tergites
auburn, postclypeus and base of mandibles lighter than head
(Sudan brown)*; anteclypeus hyaline; labrum, palpi, antennae,
legs and wing-stumps same colour as postclypeus ; wings light
brown.
Head (Fig- 67). -Very setaceous, some of the hairs noticeably
longer than the majority ; hemispherical behind the eyes, not
noticeably flattened on summit, ('lypeus large, markedly convex,
rounded behind, truncate in front, with scanty setae ; anteclypeus
very lomp nearly as long as jaistclypeus, wide at its base but narrowed
shaT])ly to the pointed apex. Labrum large, about as long as wide,
narrowed at the base, round on the sides and in front, widest across
the middle, with a few moderately long reddish setae, the sides and
apex hyaline. Antennae 14-jointed ; 3rd joint smallest ; 4th as
long but wider than 2nd, rounded ; 5th smaller than 4th. Ocelli
moderately large, broadly oval, well separated from the eyes (by a
space less thaii their short diameter). Eyes circular, moderately
large (O' 187 diameter) and prominent, finely facetted, separated
from the lower margin of head by a space equal to that separating
the ocelli from the eyes.
Thorax (Fig. 68).— Pronotum very setaceous, narrower than head,
anterior margin sinuate and slightly bent up in front, anterolateral
[ 67 ]
'PEKMITES FK0:\1 'I'HE AUSTKALIAN KEEKJX.
angles rounded, sides slo])ing to the wide and slightly sinuate
posterior margin. Posterior margin of meso- and metanotum
markedly sinuate.
n o<//.y (Figs. 18d, 184).— The two anteriormost veins parallel
and close together, dark ; the remaining veins, excepting the first
five or six branches of the cubitus, indistinct but discernible to the
wing border ; the margin densely ciliate excepting along the proximal
one-third of hind border : the radial sector with numerous setae
along its entire length ; the media traversing the wing a little above
the middle and reaching the margin near the apex, generally with
two or three branches to the posterior margin ; cubitus generally
with seven branches in the forewing and nine or ten in the hindwing,
the last generally branched. Wing-stumjis covered densely with
setae, as on ])ronotum ; suture nearly straight. Membrane with
scattered setae and densely covered with minute micrasters.
Legs. — Short and moderately stout ; inoderately setaceous.
Abdomen. \ cry long and slender, the tergites very setaceous,
like jjronotum ; sternites clay colour, suffused laterallv with brown,
clothed with short, fine setae.
Measurements.
fjength with wings
^ 7 -GO;
9
,, without wings . .
^ ;P75;
9
Heafl. to apex of labrum, long . .
0
85
„ to clypeofrontal suture, long-
0
57
wide
0
68
,, deep
G
3G
Ih'onotum, long
0
3G
wide
G
51
Wings, forewings, long
5
47
,, wide
1
42
,, hiiidwings, long
5
65
., ,, wide
1
5:5
Abdomen, wide
G
71)
Soi.DlEU.
Additional measurements.- -
Head, with mandibles, long
,, wide
Mandibles, long . .
Pronotum, long . .
.•) wide
Tibia iii, long
Locality.- Northern Territory
1 )arwin
mm.
42
62
57
25
48
0-47
TERMITES PROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Biology species was described from a small colony of
soldiers and workers taken under a coconut lying u])on the ground.
'Idle alate form described above was taken (.‘10.10.14) in the same
locality from a termitarium of M. nervosus. 'Idle nest, which was
situated on a rocky ridge, was a tyjiical examjile for the species
and contained numerous heads of soldiers and workers of the original
occupants, most of wdiicli were found in disused galleries near the
apex of the structure. The present species {M. nanus), which was
represented by a fairly numerous colony of soldiers, workers and
alate imagos, shared the lower half of the nest with an equally
numerous colony of soldiers and workers of Mirotennes sunferi, n. sji.
Another colony, containing soldiers, workers and nymphs, was found
in the vicinity of the above (9.9. Id) in an occupied termitarium of
Mirofermes melvillensis Hill. In this instance, too, the. little Micm-
cerotermes appeared to be the aggressors, since the greater ])art of
the nest was in their possession and there were may heads of the
original occupants stored in the disused galleries. The termitarium
which was built in a cluster of giant bamboos, was 14 inches high
and of irregular shape owing to its lateral extension amongst the
adjacent bamboos.
A (i) variety of this species occurs in a collection of termites
made by Eev. G. A. Luscombe on Baidcs Island, 'rorres Strait. The
alate form is not available for comparison, but a first-form queen
differs from the type series in the following res])ects Slightly
larger ; labrum yellow ; paljii, atennae, legs and wing-stumps clay
colour ; pronotum and tergites of abdomen Sudan brown ; post-
clypeus not so convex and shorter (typical — O' 204 long by O' 340
wide; variety O' 170 long) ; antennae with 4th joint very little
larger than 3rd, with which it is fused. The measurements of the
island form (queen) are as follows ;
mm.
Total lengTh . . . . . . . . . . 15'50
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long .. .. O' 91
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long . . . . O' 68
,, wide . . . . . . . . . . O' 74
Pronotum, long . . . . . . . . 0 ' 34
,, wide .. .. .. .. O' 58
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . • . . ■ 0 ' 64
Abdomen, wide . . . . . . . 3 '00
'ITie soldiers associated with the above differ appreciably from
the typical form in both size and shape of the head (cf. Figs. 69
and 70), the former being longer, wider and more rounded on the
sides, but the gula is alike. The form of the antennae appears to
be fairly constant in the variety (3rd joint smallest, sometimes more
or less fused with 4th ; 5th to 8th increasing in size progressively) ;
but in the typical form the above segmentation occurs rarely, the
1 1
'rEKMl'I’KS KKOM 'I’llK AUSTKAMAN KK(aON.
commonest segmentation being — 3rd as long as or longer than 2 ik 1,
often longer than 5th ; 4th shortest, but not markedly so, not fused
with 3rd ; 5th to 9th progressively longei'. The termitarium was
described as being 9 inches high by 6 inches in diatneter at the
base, on o])en, well-drained bwest country.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Musenni of
\lctoria.
M I ( ! R( ) ( ' K K o 'r EKM ES P A R V I( ! E PS M job erg .
Arkiv. for Zoologi. Vol. xii. No. 15, 1920.
Plate IX., fig. 185.
ddiis and the following species (type locality South ()ucensland)
do not ap[)ear to occur in North ()ucensland or Northern Territory.
The soldier is described as having 14-jointed antennae ; all other
Australian s]>ecies have the antennae invariably 13-jointed.
llimtociEKOTEEMES EXCISES IVljoberg.
Arkiv. for Zoologi. Vol. xii, No. 15, 1920.
Locaiity - South ()ueensland.
Miorocerotermes leai, n. sp.
Plate 111., iigs. 72-76 ; Plate VI., fig. 186 ; Plate IX., fig. 187.
Imago.
Col()ur.^V])])er surface similar to M. distincfm but more reddish ;
anteclypeus hyaline ; labrum yellowish brown, distinctly lighter
than clypeus ; antennae and ])al])i dark, but not so dark as in
di fit ill, ctm ; under surface and legs clay colour, with the sternites
suffused with dark brown ; apical margin of tergites and sternites
testaceous ; wings light fuscous, much lighter than in M. sermtus
(Krogg.).
Head (lOg. l2).- (dabrous, with a few long setae arranged in
pairs and inany much shorter ones ; small and rather narrow, flat
on summit, frons depressed, no indication of fontanelle. Clypeus
large, markedly convex and rounded behind, truncate in front,
with distinct suture and a few small setae ; anteclypieus very large,
about two-thirds wider than long, anterior margin jiroduced in the
middle. Labrum small, not covering apiex of mandibles, convex,
rounded on the sides and in front, w’ith nnmerons long dark setae.
Lyes small (0'204 x 0-204), prominent, finely facetted, a little less
than half their diameter from the lower margin of head. Ocelli small,
broadly oval, well separated from the eyes. Antennae (Lig. 73) 14-
jointed 2nd joint large, five-sevenths as long as 1st ; 3rd \wy short
and narrow ; 4th longer and wider than 3rd, shorter and narrower than
1 ’^0 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REOION.
5tli, wliicli is ecjual to or a little larger tluiii 6tli ; Gtli to 8th increas-
ing progressively; 9th to 12th about equal, turbinate; IGth a
little longer than 12th ; 14th about as wide as 12th, but longer.
Thorax.- Pronotuin (hdg. 74) glabrous, moderately setaceous on
sides and in front ; the mitldle with very few setae, the anterior
margin slightly sinuate with the extreme edge bent u]), anterolateral
angles bluntly rounded, sides sloping to the slightly sinuate [losterior
margin. Meso- and metanotum (Fig. 75) with the ])osterior margin
markedly sinuate.
Wing^. -Wing-stumps small, moderately setaceous, about as loug
as their respective nota. AViugs (Figs. 186, 187) small and slender ;
with two anterior veins, the base of the median and the first five to
seven branches of the cubitus distinct. The membrane densely
covered with micrasters and with many minute setae on forewings,
the latter wanting or very few" on himUvings.
Legs . — yiiort and moderately slender ; rather setaceous.
Abdomen . — Long and slender, narrow at the base, nearly parallel
from the third to sixth segments, bluntly rounded at apex ; the
tergites and sternites markedly setaceous. Cerci small.
Measureme)Us.- -
mm.
Length with wings . . . .
7-50; 9
,, without wings . . . . $
4-25; 9
Head, from base to apex of labrum, long
0-97
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long
U-57
,, wide
0-79
Antennae, long
114
Ih'onorum, long
0-29
,, wide
0-68
AAdngs, forewdngs, long
5-70
,, wide
L50
,, hindwings, long
5-40
wide
1-65
Tibia iii, long
0-74
Abdomen, wide
0-95
Soldier.
Colour . — Head and labrum orange rufous, mandibles uniform
reddish brown, antennae yellow" ochre.
Head (Fig. 76). — Longer than wide, w-idest across the middle,
slightly rounded on the sides, ])ostero-lateral margin rounded to the
truncate ])osterior margin, the entire surface almost devoid of setae,
(’lypeus large, truucate in front, W’ith tw'o moderately long and a
few very short setae, the former near the a]>ex ; anteclypeus short,
sometimes concealed. Labrum wide at the base, a little w"ider
TEKMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
than long, conical, pointed at apex, where there is a group of
short setae. Mandibles very long and slender, nearly straight
to near the tips, very little widened at the base, the inner
margin serrate. Antennae 13-jointed ; the 2nd about one-half as
long as 1st and much narrower ; 3rd shortest of all ; 4th longer and
wider than 2nd, a little longer than 5th ; 5th to 8th about equal in
Iraigth ; 9th to 11th a little shorter ; 12th as long as 2nd, 13th a
little longer.
Thorax. -Ihonotum with anterior one-third elevated and with a
slight notch in middle ; anterolateral angles produced ; sides rounded
to the posterior margin, which is slightly sinuate ; the margin with
a scanty fringe of moderately long pale setae. Meso- and metanotum
broadly rounded and fringed as in pronotum.
Ije.fjs. — Short, femora moderately stout, with scanty setae.
A Widest across the middle, ])ointed at the apex ; with
scattered ])ale setae. Cerci small.
Measurem,ents.-
mm.
3’otal length
5-00
Head, with mandibles, long
.. 2 -40-2 -50
wide
0-85
,, deep
.. 0-57-0 -62
Mandibles, from external articulation, long
1-08
Pronotum, long
0-34
5) wide
0 '57
Tibia iii, long
0-62
Worker.
Colour.- Head ochraceous orange, clypeus and labrum paler ;
vertex, thorax, legs and antennae light ochraceous buff ; a dark
ferruginous spot at the articulation of the mandibles.
Head. A\ idest at the antennal fossae, narrowed slightly to the
broadly rounded posterior margin, with very few setae. ‘ Clypeus
similar to imago, hve-eights as long as wide, with four setae near
anterior margin ; anteclypeus large, the anterior margin slightly
produced m the middle. Labrum short, broad and strongly convex,
widest at the jiostenor third, with eight to ten moderately long setae
towards the apex. Antennae 13-jointed ; the 3rd joint shortest and
narrowest.
2Aomx.-Pronotum similar to soldier, but with fewer setae.
Le^rs.— Short and moderately stout ; with scattered setae.
Abdomen. Lather slender, narrowed at the base, bluntly pointed
widr^Tru^^ ^ Cerci small,
wide at the base, apical joint slender.
1 72 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
M easmements . — mni.
T otal length . . . . . . , . . . 4 ' 00
Head, to apex of labrum, long . . . . . . 1 '08
,, to clypeofrontal sntnre, long .. .. O' 62
, , wide . . . . . . . . . . 0 ■ 80
Pronotnm, long . . . . . . . . . . 0'32
,, wide . . . . . . . . 0 '56
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . . . 0'68
Locality. -South Australia ; Ooldea (type locality) ; Victoria ;
Violet Town ; New South Wales ; Pilliga Scrub.
Described from a small colony (collected by A. M. Lea) in the
South Australian Museum collection. The Victorian specimens (col-
lected by C. Oke, July, 1924, and the New South Wales specimens
collected by 4V. W. hToggatt, 30.10.24) are almost certainly correctly
referred to this species.
Affinities. — The imago appears to be most closely allied to
M. parviceps Mjob., from which species it is differentiated by its
smaller and less prominent eyes, markedly less hairy head, thorax
and abdomen, smaller and paler wings and entirely different Aving
micrasters (cf. Figs. 185 and 187). The soldiers of these two species
have not been compared, but Mjoberg s figure indicates a marked
difference in the shape of the mandibles. The (hieensland species,
moreover, has Id-jointed antennae (13-jointed in all other Australian
species).
Types (imago, soldier and worker) m the South Australian
Museum.
Microcerotermes nervosus, n. sp.
Plate 111., figs. 77-81 ; Plate VI., fig. 188 ; Plate IX., fig. 189 ;
Plate VIL, fig. 218.
Imago.
Colour. — Chestnut, head a little darker than pronotnm and
abdomen ; postclypeus tawny olive ; antennae, mouth parts and
legs clay colour pleura and sternites suffused Avith broAvn ; AAungs
light fuscous (as in M. lead).
Very similar to M. parciceps Mjob. in colour, &c., but smaller
and lighter coloured ; eyes as in M. parviceps, i.e., small, circular
(O' 204 X 0'204), rather prominent. O' 085 from loAA^er margin of
head • ocelli as in M. parviceps, very small, AAudely separated from
the eyes, i.e., by a space equal to their long diameter. Antennae
(Fig. 77) 14-jointed, the joints short and AAude, the 14th as Avide
as 13th.
[ Td ]
TEKMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Wings (Figs. 188, 189). — Distinctly smaller and ]ialer than in
M. parviceps (cf. Fig. 185) ; the micrasters smaller and fewer ;
more like M. leai in gross appearance.
Le^s.-^Short and moderately stout, with few setae on femora ;
tibiae moderately setaceous ; tibial spurs and claws long and slender.
Abdoinen.- Wong and narrow^ very setaceous. Cerci with short
and wide basal joint and short, narrow apical joint.
as'urements.—
mm.
Length with wings . .
$
7-25; 9
7 -75-8 -00
,, without wings
9 4
•10-4-45; 9
4 -56-4 -86
Head, from posterior margin
to apex of labrum.
0-91-0 -97
long
,, from posterior margin to
clypeofrontal
0-62
suture, long
,, at and including eyes.
wide
0-80
Antennae, long
1-19
Pronotum, long
0-40
,, wide
0-62
Wings, forewings, long
,, ,, wide
5-75-6-45
1-53-1-71
„ hindwings, long
5-50-6-00
„ _ „ wide
1-60-1-70
Tibia hi, long
0-68
Abdomen, wide
1-00
Queen.
Total length, 23 ' 00 mm. ; abdomen, wide, 5 ' 00 mm.
Soldier.
Colour . — Head uniform Sandford’s brown ; mandibles very dark,
nearly black ; thorax, legs and antennae clay colour.
Head (Fig. 79). — Very long and narrow, parallel on the sides,
very little narrowed to the articulation of the mandibles. Mandibles
(Fig. 80) very short and moderately stout, a little more than half as
long as the remainder of the head, only slightly curved, finely
serrated, a very small but distinct tooth at the proximal third,
sometimes obscured by labrum. Labrum short and wide, parallel
on the sides, bluntly pointed at the apex, wdth a group of ten
moderately large setae arranged in pairs, apparently constant.
Clypeus with two pairs of hairs on the anterior half ; one pair on
the anterior margin of the frons ; remainder of head with very few
setae, (lula long and narrow, the narrowest part one-fifth as wide
as head. Antennae (Fig. 81) 13-jointed, longer than mandibles ;
4th and 5th joints equal, or 4th a little larger than 5th ; 6th to 12th
more elongate ; 13th long and pointed.
[ 74 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Thorax . — Pronotuin with very few setae, small, anterior third
elevated and slightly emarginate in the middle ; the anterolateral
angles narrowed ; the sides sloping acutely to the truncate posterior
margin.
Legs . — Short ; femora stout ; tibiae slender ; with very few
setae ; tibial spurs short and stout, 3:2:2; claws short and
stout.
Abdomen. — Small, narrow at the base, widest in the middle,
abruptly tapered posteriorly, with numerous mostly very fine setae.
Cerci moderately large, wide at the base, apical joint long and
slender. Styli veiy small.
Measurements . — Muii-
Total length . . . . • • • 4 ’50-5 ’00
Head, with mandibles, long . . . . ■ • 2 ’28
,, wide . . . . • • • •
” •• ••
Mandibles, long . . • • • ■ • ■ P °o
Antennae, long .. •• •• •• i'*jO
Pronotum, long . . - . • • • • 0 ‘ 34
,, wide . . . • ■ • • • O' 60
Tibia iii, long . . • • • • • • 0 68
Abdomen, wide . . . • • • • • 0 85
■Worker.
C'ofour.— Large form : Head and postclypeus ochraceous orange,
the latter with a large dark ferruginous area at the articulation of
the mandibles ; anteclypeus hyaline ; labrum light orange yellow ;
antennae, thorax and legs cream buff. Small form : Similar to the
above, but paler ; frons white.
Head.— With very few setae, but more than in soldier ; nearly
parallel on the sides, broadly rounded behind. Postclypeus markedly
convex, hemispherical behind, truncate in front, with a distinct
ferruginous median suture and a few rather large setae. Anteclypeus
larged about half as long as postclypeus, nearly truncate in wont.
Labrum small, markedly convex, narrow at the base, widest m the
middle, rounded in front. Antennae 13-jomted ; the 1st joint short
and stout ; 2nd stout, a little more than half as long as 1st , 3rd
shortest ' 4th to 8th moniliform ; 9th to 12th more turbinate ;
12th noticeably longer than 11th, but shorter than 13th.
TAomr - -Pronotum similar to that of soldier, but the posterior
part shorter and the whole slightly more setaceous. Posterior
margin of meso- and metanotiim with a scanty fringe of setae as on
pronotum.
[ 75 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Legs . — Short and moderately stout, with very few setae excepting
at apical fourth of tibiae. Spurs and claws short and stout.
Abdomen. -Widest in the middle, bluntly pointed at the apex ;
moderately setaceous, most of the setae very short and fine. Cerci
and styli as in soldier.
M easurenmUs.—
Large form.
Small form.
mm.
mm.
T’otal length
3 -50-4 -GO
.. 2-90-3-20
Head, to apex of labruni, long. .
,, to cly])eofrontal suture.
O- 97-1 -00
0-85
long
0-52-0 -68
0-40
,, wide
0-85
0-73
Antennae, long
0-93
Pronotum, long
0-25
!! 0-17-0-19
,, wide
0-55
.. 0-42-0-44
bia iii, long , . 0
•56-0 -62
.. 0-45
/yom/.fiyy.- -Northern Territory : Darwin (type locality), Stapleton,
Brock’s Creek, Melville Island, Daly River District ((f.F.H.), (?) Droote
Eylandt, (?) Maria Island, (?) Connexion Island (N. B. Tindale).
A ffinities.^ ’Phe imago, as stated in the description, is very closely
allied to M. farvicefs Mjiib. ; it resembles, also, M. sermtus (Frogg.),
but the latter is more hairy, darker in (’ohmr, has darker, longer and
relatively narrower wings, different wing micrasters and differently
shaped pronotum. The soldier is quite distinct from Froggatt’s
species ; it has, however, some resemblance to M. newmani, n. sp.,
but it is larger and has a distinctly different shaped head, mandibles
and gula. Professor Holmgren, who has compared M. nernosus with
the types of M. papumms Holmgr., from New (luinea, notes the
following differences : “ The head of the soldier of pa'pumms is
broader and covered with hairs, not very densely but over the whole
surface. In your specimens there are a few pairs of hairs to be
seen as the head is viewed from the side. The imago of 'papuanus
is darker coloured and more hairy and is, also, a little larger.”
Biology. — Described from a complete nest-series from a small
pointed termitarium about 12 inches in height which was built over
and around a large bamboo cut-off about 9 inches from the ground.
Alate imagos and many first-form nymphs were present in the nest
(28.9.14). The following field notes refer to some of the additional
32 colonies collected by the writer : (1) Darwin, 5.10.15. A com-
plete series from a sinall woody termitarium built against the trunk
of an introduced ornamental tree. Alate imagos very numerous.
No rain fell in this locality during past several months. Second-
form nymphs were taken from a similar nest in this vicinity on
I 76 1
TEKMITKS FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REUION.
9.9. Biinilav nests are coininon at the base of fence-posts, &c.
(2) Daly River, 2.10.14. A complete series from a hardwood farm
building ; soldiers and workers in sap-wood (damaged by liosirijchid
beetles) and in woody termitarinm t) feet from the ground betw(!en
to]) of pile and lloor-joist ; images in similar nest situated at bas('
of same pile ; no e.xternal ‘‘ tubes ' on pile, but communication
between the two nests maintained by means of passages in the sap-
wood. ,\ very destructive sj)ecies, largely res|)onsil)l(> for tlie
destruction of dwellings and sheds in this settlement. (2) Darwin,
24.10.14. A complete series from a nest similar to that illustrated
in Fig. 218, on dry, stony hill-side. Alate imagos very [)lentiful ;
very few soldiers. A similar nest, containing the same forms, wars
found here on 19.9.21. (4) 20 miles south-east from Darwin, 20.2.1;!.
Soldiers, workers and cpieen frotn pointed, woody teitnitarium 12
inches high by 2 inches in diameter at base ; in corn-held ; ttuini-
terium known delinitely to be less than twelve months old ; (pieen
in small, Hat cell in centre at ground level, (o) Darwin, 27.1.17.
Soldiers and workers from a woody nest, in dry, sandy coastal scrub ;
nest 25 inches high by 12 inches in diameter at base (see Fig, 218).
(6) ;14 miles south-east from Darwin, 15.1.R!. Soldiers, W(jrkers and
(|ueen from nest similar to (2), situated amotigst suckers from small
EnmbjplHfi tree, d’he tyjie of Tanijchdus ojxiciis Carter [Ten.e-
brioihklae) was taken in this nest. (7) Rrock s (V(>ek, 8' 10' 12.
complete series from nest similar to (2), built on e.xposed root ol
living tree ; alate imagos and first-form nymphs very nnmerons,
soldiers scarce. (8) Stapleton, 4.1 1.14. Soldiers, workers and (puam
from nest similar to the above but constructed on tnsso(4v of grass
on ill-drained, clayey flat ; (pu'en in small, flattened cell 2 inches
below ground level ; many wings in nest and surrounding grass ;
similar nests plentiful in well-drained forest country in vicinity,
(9) Darwin, 5.2.14. Soldiers, workers and (jueen, Irom a, typical
nest built over a small dead .stump ; nest 12 inches high, with top
of stum]) ])iojecting thrmigh the ajM'X ; (jueen cell 27 mm. in diameter
bv 7 mm. high, with level floor ” and slightly domed ceiling '' ;
four small entrances to <‘ell ; situated 2 inches below surface lev(4
of ground and in the centre of nest. (10) Sta|)leton. 4.11.14.
complete senes liT)in a typical nest. .Mate imagos commenced to
emeige at 4.20 ]).m. (after a heavy shower of rain) from many small,
circular openings in various parts of the nest from near the ground
to the a])ex : these o|)enings were guarded by soldiers, whose heads
only jirojected from the nest, and wiu'e (dosed by workers aftei' tlii'
swarminu " ceased : numerous apfiarently fully develojied imagos
did not lea've the nest during this flight ; many m\sts of this species
were ojiened in this locality on 27.10.12, when tluw contained alate
imagos. (11) DaiAvin. 28.9.1:1. A .similar occurrema' to that re-
corcied above was observed during very windy weather 24 hours
after heavy rain ; males and females settled on the ground after a
[ 77 ]
'PERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
short, feeble fUglit and iniinediately shed the wings ; tlie former then
followed the latter for varying periods up to fifteen minutes, when
each pair secreted themselves under ])ieces of wood or bark oi in
tussocks of grass.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Victoria.
Migrooerotermes neavmani, n. sp.
Plate 111., figs. 82-84 ; Plate VI., fig. 190 ; Plate IX., fig. 191.
Imago.
(7o/oMr.— Plead, thorax and abdomen argus brown ; middle of
thoracic nota and fifth to eighth abdominal tergites paler , post-
clypeiis much lighter than head, clay colour , iabrum, antennae,
legs, pleura and sternites of abdomen a little ]ialer than postcly])eus ;
wings light fuscous.
In gross a])})earance very like M. leai, n. sp., but distinctly
smalleinind easily differentiated by the following characters Head
not quite so reddish and more hairy ; eyes a little larger ; antennae,
mouth-parts, legs and under surface (Ustinctly ])aler ; pronotiim
lighter in colour, smaller and differently shaped ; wings about the
same length but distinctly wider and rather darker ; wing niicrasters
different' (cf. figs. 187 and 191). Antennae (Fig. 82) IP-jointed ;
1st joint twice as long as wide ; 2nd large, as long as 1st is \yide ;
:ird very short and narrow ; 4th short and wide, as wide as 2nd ;
5th markedly larger than 4th, as wide as, but nioie (|uadiate than,
6th. Pronotiun (Fig. 83) nearly straight in front, with slight
eniargination in middle, anterior margin elevated, anterolateral
anoles and sides rounded, posterior margin sinuate, the entire
surface covered with long and slmrt setae. ^ Posterior margin of
meso- and metanotuni markedly sinuate. Mings (higs. 190, 191)
short and wide, the radius, radial sector and extreme proximal end of
median vein and the hrst five or six branches of the cubitus dark ,
the radial sector with numerous moderately long setae along its
entire length ; the median vein branched from the radial sector well
beyond the suture in the hindwing ; membrane with scattered setae
and densely covered with very distinct niicrasters.
MeasurenwHis . —
Length ivith wings . . • •
,, without w'ings . . . • ^
Head, from base to apex of Iabrum, long. .
from base to clypeofrontal suture,
long . .
,, wide
Eyes, diameter, laterally
„ vertically
mm.
7-25 ; 9 8-00
3-87 ; 9 4-10
0-85
0-51
0-74
0-238
0-221
f 78 ]
TERMITEH KROM 'PHE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measure'me;nU — con tinned.
’ronotuni, long
,, wide
long . .
wide . .
Tibia iii, long
Wings
mm.
0-40
0 '54
5- 70 -6 -25
1-65-1 -03
0-62
Soldier.
Co/our. -Head uniform ocliraceous tawny : thorax, legs, and
antennae chamois yellow.
Ilead (Fig. S4). — Long and narrow, parallel on the sides, broadly
rounded behind, with very few and very short setae. Antecly])eus
short and wide, arcuate in front. Labrum large, a little wider than
long, jiarallel on the sides, broadly rounded at the ajiex, with a
group of moderately large setae in the middle of the apical fourth.
Mandibles short and very stout, curved, serrate. Antennae 13-
jointed, about as long as mandibles ; 3rd joint smallest ; 4th and
5tli nearly equal ; 6th to Kith progressively longer ; 13th narrow,
as long as 1st. (iula wide, nearly one-fourth as wide as head at
narrowest part.
T/mma-.— ITonotum small, with few setae, mostly near margin,
some of those near lateral angles very long, the anterior fourth
narrowed and elevated, with dee]) emargination in the middle, the
anterolateral angles jiroduced, the sides nearly straight to the broadly
truncate or slightly sinuate posterior margin. The meso- and meta-
notum with scanty fringe of long setae and with nearly straight
])Osterior margin.
Le(/s. — 8hort and moderately stout, with few setae.
Abdomen.— Long and narrow, with scanty, short and long setae,
('erci large. 8tyli a])])arently wanting.
^ I easureme/nts . —
Total length
Head, with mandibles, long . .
,, without mandibles, long
„ dee])
,, wide . ■ ■ •
(iula, at narrowest part, wide
Mandibles, from external articulation.
Antennae, long
Fronotum, long
,, -wide
Tibia iii, long
long
mm .
4 •20 -4 -45
1 •90-2 -10
1- 30-1 -42
0-62
0-74
0-20
0-68-0-74
1 -02
0-23
0-52
0-57
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Worker.
Colour. Head buft' yellow ; frons, antennae, thorax and legs
ei'eain ; a, dark reddish spot at articulation of niandibles.
Head. Moderately hairy, the hairs mostly short ; jiarallel on
the sides, broadly rounded behind, widest in line with the insertion
of the antennae. Postcly|)eus large, convex, markedly rounded
behind, truncate ui front, with fairly distinct median suture and
about twelve I'eddish setai* ; anteclypeus large, the anterior margin
produced in the middle. Labruni moderately lai'ge, convex, nar-
rowed at the base, swollen on the sides to the rounded apex, a group
of about eight short, moderately stout hairs near the apex. Antennae
lb-jointed, segmentation similar to that of imago.
Thorax. Ihnnotum similar to that of soldier, but with fewer
setae. Posterior margin of meso- and metanotum broadly rounded
or nearly truncate, with a scanty fringe of long, pale setae as on
])ronotum.
Lcf/s.- -Short and moderately stout, clothed similarly to abdomen.
Abdomen. -Long and narrow, with scantv, pale setae. Lerci
large.
M easutemenU. -
Total length
Head, to apex of labruni, long
., to clypeofrontal suture, long
wide
Pronotum, long . .
,, wide
Antennae, long . .
Ihbia hi, long
Abdomen, wide . .
Locality. — South-west Australia : Mundaring
Wongong, Hovea, Hosnells ; North-west Australia :
mm.
.. 3 -64
.. 0-97
.. 0-60
.. 0-74
0'25
.. 0-51
.. 0-85
.. 0-50
0-90
(type locality),
Broome.
1 he imago and worker are described from a nest-series without
soldiers ; the latter caste is described from a. nest-series (from the
same locality) containing a hrst-form Icing and queen which agree in
every respect with the type imago. Fifteen colonies have"" been
examined, of which number twelve are without imagos. Of the
latter number one was associated with Entermcs api.ocephcdvs Silv.
(Mundaring, i\ V. Hill, 18.10.20) and two with Copfotermes sp.
(Hovea, 4. Clark). One small series received for identification from
Ml. L. J. Newmian, (loveimnent Lntomologist, was found destrovino'
a cotton ]jlant at Broome. '
Affinities.- 4Te similarity of the imago to M. leai, n. sp. has
been noted ; the soldiers, however, are quite distinct (cf. Figs. 76
1 80 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REOION.
and 84). Tlie soldier of M. nemnani most closely resembles certain
small forms of M. distinclus (or an allied species), under which species
the distinguishing features are discussed.
types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Adctoria.
Microcerotermes gladius, n. sp.
Plate 111., figs. 85, 86.
Soldier.
Colour . — Head hazel behind, deepening to chestnut anteriorly ;
anteclypeus hyaline ; labruni same colour as back of head ; antennae,
thorax and legs cream buff.
Head (Pig. 85). — Longer than wide, sides nearly parallel, broadly
rounded behind, with very few long and short setae, the latter
most numerous on irons and vertex. Mandibles short and stout,
strongly curved, finely serrated. Anteclypeus slightly produced in
the middle, variable in length. Labruni large, wide at the base,
sloping to the bluntly pointed apex. Antennae (Pig. 86) 13-jointed,
longer than the mandibles ; 1st joint long and slender ; 2nd about
half as long as 1st ; 3rd smallest of all ; 4th to 7th increasing in
length progressively ; 8th to 12th narrow at the base, slightly
turbinate ; 13th about as long and wide as 12th, widest in the
middle. Uula (Pig. 85) short and very wide, two-fifths as wide as
head at its widest part.
Thorax . — Pronotum (Pig. 85) small, of typical form, with scanty
fringe of setae around margin.
Leys .- — Short and moderately slender, ivitli very few setae on
femora, rather more on tibiae.
Abdomen . — Long and slender, widest in the middle, tapered to
the bluntly pointed apex, moderately setaceous, the hairs mostly
very short and fine, longer on apical segments. Cerci moderately
long and slender.
Measurements . — mm.
Total length
Head, Avith mandibles, long . .
,, without mandibles, long
,, base to labral suture, long
,, deep
,, Avide
Mandibles, long
Antennae, long
Pronotum, long
wide.
Tibia hi, long
Abdomen, AAude
. . 4-00-4-20
. . 1-82-2-16
1-25
. . !• 88 - 2-22
. . 0-68-0-74
0-85
0- 85
1- 25
. . 0-30-0 -36
. . 0-54-0 -.50
0-70
0-85
1608.— 6
I 81 1
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Worker.
Colour- Heacl clay colour ; Irons, antennae, legs and thorax
cream.
Head. Widest in line with the insertion of the antennae,
narrowed to the base of the mandibles, broadly rounded behind,
Avith very few setae. Postclypeus large, about twice as wide as
long, rounded behind, truncate in front, with a few setae near
anterior margin and a large reddish spot at the articulation of the
mandibles. Anteclypeus large, as long as postclypeus, markedly
produce(l in the middle. Labrum small, strongly convex, lAuth "a
group of small setae about the middle of apical half, narrowed at
the base, rounded on the sides to the rounded apex. Antennae
13-jointed ; 2nd joint large, nearly as Avide and tAvo-thirds as long
as 1st ; drd very short and narroAv. °
Thorax.- Ih-onotum similar to that of soldier.
Legs . — Short and slender, Avith feAv setae.
Abdomen.- W iciest in the middle, tapered to the blunth’ rounded
apex, moderately setaceous. Cerci moderateh^ long and slender.
Measurement. s.- -
Total length .. _ 3 -70^ -00
Head, to apex of labrum, long . . . . 1 •Q9
,, to (dypeofrontal suture, long . . . . O' 57
, 'Vide .. 0-81
Fronotum, long .. .. .. q-27
O' 47-0 -51
libia m, long .. .. . p .57
Abdomen, AA’ide .. 1'14
Apterous Queen.
Colour.- Head russet, Avith verv distinct frontal and transverse
sutures ; postclypeus paler (buckthorn brown) ; labrum A'ellow
ocliie , pionotuiii cream suffused with brown at margins ; leo’s
and remainder of thorax cream ; abdominal tergites cream mottled
Antennae 13-jointed : 3rd joint smallest ; 4th to
loth increasing in length progressively. Fronotum someAcdiat similar
to that of AA orker, but much larger : meso- and metanotum as in
Avorker, i.e.. shoAving no trace of AAhng-rudinients. Ocelli and eves
entirelv Avanting (stained preparations examined). Abdomen Avith
seventh stermte long and Avide, as in female imago of allied species.
Locahtg.—A^oidh (Queensland : Merinaa (near Cairns). Palm
Island.
ir soldiers of this species appear to be most nearh-
alhed to M. parnceps Mjob., from AA'hich they differ in their smaller
[ 82 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
size, less rounded heads, and Id- jointed anteiniae. Mjciberg's species
is described as having tlie antennal joints rounded and short ” ;
in the pro])osed new species they are rather elongate.
Hioloijy. Described from a colony collected by Dr. .). V. Illing-
worth (March, 1921) in the interior of a sugar-cane. There were no
eggs or very young larvae in the connunnity, but adolescent soldiers
and workers and nymphs witli short wing-stnmps were nnmerons.
The apterous queen described above, and another somewhat less
developed, were clearly not of the usual ty])e, being ergatoid in the
form of the head and pronotum. Although the characteristic type
of apterous queen is not rare in Australian Mwroceroterme.s, the
above form has not been found previously by the writer in this or
any other genus. The Palm Island specimens (D.K.H., 26.!). 20),
comprising soldiers and workers only, were found under a log, the
interior of which ajipeared to be considerably damaged by them.
Microoerotermes boreus, n. sp.
Plate IIP, figs. 87, 88 ; Plate VI.. fig. 192 ; Plate IX., fig. 1!)8 ;
Plate VII., fig. 219.
Imago.
Similar to M. serrafvs (Frogg.), from which species it is dis-
tinguished by its lighter colour, head and thorax more reddish
(chestnut), postclypeus distinctly paler, pleura and legs ochraceous
tawny, wings niucli longer and wider, eyes larger and more prm
minent, ocelli larger and pronotum longer.
Measurements . —
Length with wings
„ without wings . .
Head, base of apex of labrum, long
,, base to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Eyes, diameter
Pronotum, long
,, wide
IVings, fore wings, long
„ „ wide
,, hind wings, long
,, wide
” . ”
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
(^UEBN.
Total length, 21 '00 mm. ; abdomen, wide, 4 'GO.
[ 83 J
mm.
9 •25-9' 50
5 • 25-5 ■ 50
1-00
0-59
0-85
O' 255 X O' 255
0-42
0-64
8 '25
2-10
7'75
2-10
0'80
0-34
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Soldier.
Colour . — Head hazel, darker anteriorly ; labruni oranye rufous ;
anteclypeus hyaline ; mandibles nearly black ; thorax and legs
cream buff.
Head (Fig. 87). -Long and narrow, nearly parallel on the sides,
with a few short, ])aJe setae. Anteclypeus short and wide, slightly
sinuate on anterior margin, babrum convex, wide at base and
narrowed to the bluntly pointed apex. Mandibles (Fig. 88) very
long and slender, as long as remainder of head, inner edges markedly
serrate. Antennae (Fig. 88) 18-jointed, long and slender, not
reaching the apex of inandibles : -3rd joint shortest ; 4th to 12th
elongate; L3tli narrower than 12th and about as long. Antennal
carinae heavily chitinized. (bda at its widest part one-fourth as
wide as head.
Tliorao’ (Fig. 87).— Anterior one-third of pronotum narrowed and
bent up, anterolateral angles ])roduced, sides sloping to the slightly
sinuate posterior margin, with very few setae.
Lcr/.s.- Short and moderately stout, with few setae.
Abdomen. Long and slender, widest in the middle, tapered to
the pointed a])ex. Cerei long and slender. Stvli wanting.
Measurements . —
mm.
Total length
Head, with mandibles, long
,, base to labral suture,
,, wide
Mandibles, long
Antennae, long
Pronotum, long
,, wide
'^ribia iii, long
-5-.50-6-40
2-7:3-:3d)7
1-42-1 --5:3
0-91-0 -97
1-48
1-60
0-40
0-68
0-76
Worker.
Colour . — Head ochraceous buff ; postclypeus a little paler ; frons,
antennae, legs and thorax cream buff.
Head. — Small, widest at the articulation of mandibles, nearly
])arallel on the sides, broadly rounded behind ; with very scanty,
pale setae, some of which are fairly long. Postclypeus large, hemi-
spherical, markedly convex, glabrous, anterior margin truncate, a
dark ferruginous spot at each end ; anteclypeus large, about half
as long as postclypeus. Antennae 1‘3-jointed ; the .‘3rd joint smallest,
babrum small, narrow at the base, swollen on the sides and rounded
in front.
[ 8t ]
TKRiMrr,K,S FK(.)M T[IK AUSTRALIAN liEOION.
1 horax. Proiiotuni small, much muTowcr than head, slia|)(!(l as
in soldier; with very few setae, some of which are very lony. M(‘so-
notnm with posterior nuiroin broadly rounded ; metanotum nearlv
straiylit.
Lcfjs- Short and moderately slender ; with fmv setain
Ahdomen.- -Lonf>' and slender, witli scattered mostly short, [lah*
setae, some near ajiex fairly long.
d / easurements. — mm.
Total lengtli .. .. .. .. .. 4h)0
Head, from fjase to apex of Jabrum, long . . . . I -()2
,, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long .. Od)b
,, wide .. .. .. .. 0-7(S
Pronotum, long . . . , . . . . . . 0•b0
,, wide .. .. .. .. 0-r)2
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . . . . . O-oT
Abdomen, wide . . . . . . . , . . I d)0
Locality . — Northern Territory: Melville Island (ty|)e locality),
Darwin (D.F.H.) ; (?) Victoria : Linga (K. K. Wilson).
Affinities. - The imago differ.s from M. sermtas (hh'ogg.) as fol-
lows The wings are much larger anfl darker, the. i^ronotum notice-
ably longer, the eyes much larger and more prominent, the ocelli
larger, general colour lighter, postclypeus, legs and pleura distinctly
paler. In colour it agrees more closely with M . yarrlceiis, hut the
latter is a smaller specie.s, with much smaller eyes, ocelli and wings,
and differently shaped pronotum. From .1/. leai it differs in its
larger .size, much longer wings, longer pronotum, large.r i^yes and
larger ocelli. Tlie soldier differs from J/. sermtas in its larger size,
longer and more serrate mandibles, wider gula and longer jointed
antennae. Tire latter organ does not reach the t\\> of the mandibles
in the new species, whereas in Froggatt’s species it extends well
beyond them.
Biology . — Two complete ne.st -.series were taken on Melville Islanrl
on 29.10.16 from small, rounderl, blacki.sh, woody termitaria (Fig.
219) niea.suring about 11 hiches in height by 9 inches in diameter.
In each ca.se about one-half of the .structure projectefj abme the
surface of the ground and enveloped part of a small stump or root.
Alate imagos and workers were plentiful, but soldiers were not
numerous. Another community, comprising soldiers and workers
onlv. was taken in Darwin (4.8.14) from “tubes" or covered-ways
on a concrete pile 6 feet m height supporting a so-callcf! white-ant
pu'oof " dwelling. Access to the floor-joists was gained by carrying
the ■■ tubes " over the top of the pile and through a bolt-hoh; in the
middle of the interposed metal plate. 4he common practice of
fastening floor- joi.sts to the supporting piles by means of a bolt
I So 1
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
imbedded in tlie latter and passing through the metal plate is
obviously bad, and should be discontinned in favour of angle-irons
attacheil further down the pile and having sullicient spread to clear
the juetal plate. The latter to be effective should have cut, not
rolled, edges. The Victorian specimens referred doubtfully to this
species are somewhat smaller in size and have the labruni Avider and
less pointed than the inajority of the Northern Territory specimens.
Measurements: Total length, 5 ‘50-6 '00; head, with mandibles,
2 ‘50-2 -70; head, wide. O' 79-0 *85; antennae, long, 1'48; pro-
notum, long 0'84, wide 0'57.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
\Tctoria .
Miorocerotermfs fugax, n. sp.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.8.W., Vol. xl, 1915 {Termes turneri Hill, nee
Froggatt).
Idate 111., figs. 89 94 ; Plate fig. 194 ; Plate IX., fig. 195 ;
Plate VIL, fig) 220.
Imago.
Colour. Head chestnut, a shade darker than in M. nervosus ;
antennae, legs and ])leura also a little darker.
Head (Fig. 89). Differs from M. nervosus in being rather more
hairy, hairs larger ; eyes siiuilar ; ocelli very little larger (long-
diameter O' 85 as against O' 68 in M. nervosus) and closer to eyes
(O' 34 as against O' 68 in 47. nervosus). Antennae (Fig. 92) 14-
jointed ; 3rd joint very small ; 4th longer and wider ; 5th and 6th
equal, larger than 4th ; 5th to 9th rounded ; 10th to 13th turbinate,
short ; 14th about as long and wide as 13th.
Thorax. AAry like 47. nervosus, but with light-coloui'ed area as
showm in Fig. 90. Posterior margin of ineso- and metanotum also
similar to the above species but generally not so sinuate (cf. Figs.
78 and 91h) ; metanotum often variable (cf. Figs. 91a and 916).
Wi'ugs (Figs. 194 and 195). AAry similar to M. nervosus in
colour and shape, but the micrasters darker and more numerous
and the veins a little more distinct. Auuation very variable ; the
median of forewing generally with three branches of varying length,
sometimes with five branches, rarely with one of them joining the
radial sector near the ajiex of the wing ; cubitus very variable, Avith
from seven to twelve branches, simple or forked, the last branch
generally joining the posterior border about the distal third of the
wing, but sometimes nearer the proxitnal third.
Legs.- As in 47. nervosus.
Abdomen.- As in 47. nervosus, but more setaceous ; hairs longer.
8tyli Avanting.
1 86 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAK REGION.
Measurements.
nun.
Lengtli with wings . .
,, without wings
Head, from posterior margin to apex of iabium,
iono-
from posterior margin to clypeofrontal
sutui'e, fong
at and including eyes, wide
Kyes, diameter
Antennae, long
Pronotum, long
0-204 X 0-204-0 -221
8-00-8-50
4-00 5-00
0-97-1-00
0-45-0-51
0-80-0-85
X 0-221
1-00
0-39-0-42
,, wide
Wings, forewings, long
, , , , M ide
,, hindwings, long
,, ,, M ide
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
0- 63 0-73
7-00 7-50
1 - 48-1 -53
6-75-7-25
1-48 1-65
0- 85
1 - 00
Soldier.
Head yellow ochre ; very like M. yladias (cf. Figs. 85 and 93),
from which it is distinguished by its lighter coloured and longer
head, onger and narrower gula, longer mandibles and pronotum
and fewer setae on head. The gula at its narrowest part is about
one-fifth as wide as the head (two-fifths in M . gladlus). Antennae
13-joiuted ami similarly segmented to the last-mentioned species.
Measurements . —
Total length
Head, Avith mandibles, long
,, without mandibles, long
,, wide
,, deep
Antennae, long
Pronotum, long
,, wi(le
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen. Avide
mm.
3- 90-4 -59
2-16 2-62
1 ■ 14-1 -48
0- 80 0-91
0.63
1 - 08-1 -36
0-30 -0-32
0-54-0 -57
0-57
0-85
W'ORKER.
Very like M. yladius. Head ochraceous orange, Avith dark
ferruginous spot at articulation of mandibles ; frons very little
lighter than remainder of head. Styli present.
1 87 1
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measuremen.ts . —
Total length
Head, ])osterior margin to apex of labrnm, long.
,, ])o,sterior margin to dypeofrontal siitiire
long
,, wide
Antennae, long
Pronotnm, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
Hta])leton (tyjie locality) ;
locality . — Northern Territory :
win, Bathurst Island (G.F.H.).
mm.
3
30-3
50
0
03 1
27
0
60-0
76
0
85-0
91
1.08
0
22-0
32
0
46-0
51
0-54
0-01
a lit}
) ; Dar-
Biology . — Soldiers from the same colony vary very little in size,
but individuals from different nests often show noticeable differences
in this respect. In the worker caste there appear to be several
intermediates between the small and the large forms. The type
series was taken on 1.1.13 from the termitarium shown in Big. 220,
which was composed almost entirely of an intensely hard woody
composition aiul was situated in lightly timbered, undulating country.
Alate imagos were numerous and active when disturbed. A second
colony was found on the same date iu the earthy wall of a termi-
tariuni of Coptotermes achmciforniis (Frogg.), which also contained
colonies of Miroterines orhas, n. sp. and Hamifermes {Drepamtermss)
septentriomlis Hill. The following additional colonies were taken in
the localities stated : Stapleton, 23.12.12 : A complete series from
a termitarium similar to that illustrated by Fig. 220 ; 12 inches high
by 4 inches in diameter at the base ; u])per part of nest occupied by
a colony of ants (Iridomynnex smyjnwe'us Forel). Darwin, 1.4.13 :
Soldiers and workers in trunk of coco-nut palm previously damaged
l>y weevils ; trunks of several dead palms were similarly infested.
Stapleton, December, 1013 : A small colony, including alate forms,
under log. Batchelor, 17.7.13 : Soldiers and workers from a termi-
tariun; similar to that illustrated, but constructed of earth and
comminuted wood ; on ill-drained, flat country. Stapleton, 5.11.14 :
A complete series from a nest composed of comminuted wood and
earth, built 4 feet from the ground on the trunk of an Eucalyptus
tree ; nest connected with ground by a series of passages under a
common protective casing of clayey material. Similar nests w^ere
very plentiful on the boggy country in the vicinity of a creek ; all
cf)ntained soldiers, ivorkers and alate imagos, but no cpieens or eggs
(as in typical nests on well-drained country in the near vicinity).
These arboreal nests are abandoned during the dry season.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Victoria.
TEKMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Microcerotermes taylori, n. sp.
Plate TIT., %s. ; Tnate YT., %. T96 ; Plate IX.. fig. 197.
Imago.
Similar to M. nanus (TTill), from which species it is (listinouished
by its generally darker colour, slightly larger eyes, TS-jointed autemiae,
and distinctly different wing micrasters.
Head very setaceous, dark bay ; j)ostclypeus distinctly lighter,
with dark median suture ; antennae 13-jointed, 3rd joint shortest ;
eyes moderately large (0'2040x -204), 0-034 from lower margin of
head; ocelli broadly oval, very small ((b050), 0*034 from eyes;
pronotum as in M. nanus.
M easurements . —
Length Avithout wings
Head, to apex of labrum, long
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Pronotum, long . .
,, wide
Wings, forewings, long
mm.
4*00
0*85
0*57
0*68
0*34
0*47
5*50
1 *50
(^UEEN.
Total length, 17*00 mm. ; abdomen, wide, 4*00 mm.
Soldier.
Differs from M. nanus in having a shorter and narrower head
(hhg. 95), sides not so narrowed to base of mandibles, mandibles
longer and more slender, labrum shorter and narrower, gula (Fig. 96)
onedourth narroAver, markedly narrowed at posterior one-third.
M easuretneuits . —
Total length
Head, Avith mandibles, long
,, Avithout mandibles, long
,, Avide
,, deep
Antennae (13-jointed)
(Tula, at narroAvest part, Avide
Pronotum, long . .
,, Avide
Tibia iii, long
Worker.
Head clay colour, Avith very distinct pale sutures ; postclypeus
same colour as head, Avith very distinct broAvn median suture, a
1 89 ]
T*80
1 *08
0*68
0*57
1*10
0*45
0*25
0*42
0*50
'I'KRMrrES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
laro-e dark chestnut spot at internal articulation of mandibles.
Antennae Id- or 14-jointed, drd joint shortest, 4tli to jienultimate
joints increasing' in leni>th progressively, a|)ical joint nuu'kedly longer
and a little narrower than j)receding one. Dillers Iroin M. 'Ihw.us in
having much larger spots at articulation ot mandibles and a daik
median suture in clyjieus, head of same colour as 4/. luitius but
blotched in appearance. Irons same colour as back ol head (not
whitish).
MeasKnwievJs.
Total length
Head, to apex of labrum, long
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Pronotum, long . .
,, wdde
I'ibia hi, long
lA)califH. North (huHMisland : Meringa, near ('aims.
Described from a complete nest series collected by Mr.
Taylor on 41. Id. 24 from a small termitarinm about the size of a
human head and situated at tlie base of a termitarium of Coptotermes
mm.
3
0
U
0
u
0
0
•70
•78
•45
•60
•20
•45
•48
H.
((cinaciforttiis ( Krogg.).
h’ypes (imago, soldier and worker) in tlie National iMuseum of
Victoria ; paratypes in Mr. d’aylor s collection.
Microgerotermes mendicus, n. sp.
Plate
figs. 08 102 ; Plate V!., fig. 108 ; Plate
IX., fig. 100.
Imago.
Differs from M. sermtus (Krogg.), which species it most closely
resembles, in the following characters : Slightly darker in colour,
eyes distinctly larger, wings darker (dark tuscous), longer and wider ;
dilTers from j7. parrlccps Mjdb. in its smaller size, larger eyes, smaller
and more rounded pronotum ; dilTers from M. turiieri (Krogg.) in
being much smaller and in having mai'kedly smaller eyes, ocelli and
pronotum. 4’he ocelli are 0-068 in leng'th, which is the distance
se])a rating the eves from the lower margin of the head and from
the ocelli.
MemuremeutH.
Ijength with wings
,, without wings . .
Head, to a[)ex of labrum, long . .
,, to clyjieofrontal suture, long
,, wide
hives, diameter
Antennae (14-jointed)_ . .
mm.
c? 7-50, 9 8-50
^ 4-00, 9 4-27
1 -00
0-58
0-81
, 0-221 X 0-221
1-251 -46
[ 90 ]
TERMITES PROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements — con t iniied . mm
I’l'onotum, lono' .. 0 -30 0-40
wide .. .. .. 0-ri7 0-64
Wino's, forewino’s, long . , _ (;.4o 7.00
wide .. .. 1-80 -1-88
„ hmdwings, long .. 5 ’75-6 -00
^ ... ,, wide .. .. 1-82-1 -93
Tibia iii, long . . . . . . ()-3()
Abdomen, wide .. .. .. ()-85
Soldier.
Similar to M. glaclms, 11. sp. but lighter in colour, head a little
longer and Muder, labriim and giila longer and wider, anteclyjieiis
larger and produced in the middle. If differs from M. twmeri
(hrogg.) in having a smaller, paler, narrower and shallower head,
the sides of which are less rounded, the antennae and mandibles
more slender ; and from M. exeisus Mjiib. in its smaller size, Ac.
Meas urements . — •
Total length
Head, with mandibles, long .
,, without mandibles, Ion
,, wide
,, deep
(lula, at narrowest part, wide
Antennae (13-jointed)
Pronotiim, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
mm.
4-27
2-16
1-36
0-91
0-74
0-23
1-10 1-20
0-34
0-57
0-73
Worker.
Co/our.- -Head chamois, deepening to clay colour behind the
transverse suture ; transverse suture and a large spot at junction
of transverse and frontal sutures whitish ; antennae and pronotum
same colour as postclypeus, the latter with a small ferruginous spot
at each end.
Head.— Longer than wide, widest iri front, slightly narrowed to
the rounded jiosterior margin, with scanty strong reddish setae.
Postclypeus small, about one-half as long as wide (0-221 x 0‘425),
strongly convex, median suture not well defined ; anteclypeus about
half as long as ])ostclypeus, hyaline, anterior margin produced in
middle. Labrum short, not as long as clypeus, narrowed at base,
very wide in middle, rounded in front. Antennae 13-jointed.
Thorax. Pronotum very short, moderately wide, with scanty
long refldish setae, anterior margin sharply bent up and deeply
emarginate, anterolateral angles produced, sides sloping to the
strongly emarginate rounded posterior margin.
[ 91 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Leqs. - Moderately long and slender, Avith scanty very short ]>ale
setae.
Abdomen,. — lAirge, with very short and fine setae.
Aleasurenients.- -- min.
Total length . . . . • • • • 4 • 00
Head, to apex of labruni, long . . . . 0’90~0‘98
,, to clypeo frontal suture, long .. .. 0*68
,, wide .. .. •• 0’84
Pronotum, long .. .. •• 0'25
,, wide . . . . • • • • 0*56
Tibia iii, long .. .. 9*62
J^oGality.- AAorth Queensland : El Arish (type locality), Meringa
(F. H. Taylor).
Described from a small colony taken in a dilapidated termitarium
on 10.11.24. One alate imago was taken at a lamp in the last-named
locality in December.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
^uctoria ; paratyjies in Mr. Taylor’s collection.
Oenns Mirotermes Wasmann.
List of desciil)ed Australian Mirotermes : —
S|)('ci('s.
1
Locality.
J)cscril)(ul ( 'iistos.
Iimiigo. Soldier. | Workei'.
Mirotermes Irisiformis ( Krogn;.)
New South Wales
X
x|
xt
, /rraepeloii Silv.
South-west Australia. . .
X=-.=
X
X
■mdvilleiisis (Hill) . .
Northern Territory
X*
xt
X
,, (Hill)
Northern Territory
Xt
xt
X
,, froggalti (UWb
Northern Territory
xf
xt
X
,, liarrisi Mjdb.
North Queensland
X
xt
X
,, maiilnn, Mjdb.
North Queen.sla.nd
xt
X
,, Mjfib.
North Queensland
xt
xt
X
„ alleiii M\l)h.
North Queensland
xt
X
,, broomeosis Mjdb. . .
North-we.st Australia. . .
xt
X
,, aluritsis Mjdb.
North Queensland
xt
, septeutrionalis. n. s]>.
Northern Territory
X*
,, iiijreqiieiis. n. s]). . .
South-west Australia . .
X*
X*
X*
,, ijuadrafns, ii. s]>. . .
Northern Territory
X*
,, sunteri. ii. sp.
Northerti Territory
X*
X*
,, bunksieusis, n. sj).
Hiinks Island (Torres
X*
X*
X*
„ orbus, n. s]>.
ImLT clJ t )
Northern Territory
X*
X*
X*
,, occvltiis, n. sp.
Northern Territory
X*
t Tyi)i' nr co-types exaiiuncd.
I 92 ]
* Described in tliis paiM'r,
TKRMITKkS VKOM 'I’llK A\tsthAI.1AN KK(’,10N.
M 1ROTKR.M KS KRISI KORMIS ( Kl'Oggatt).
I’roc. Linn. Sot*. N.S.W., Vol. xxii, 18!)7 ; Dopt. Aoric. N.S.W.,
]^ull. ()0, 15)15. 1 lohniiroR, KuiirI. sv. vot. Akad. llandk, Pxl. d8,
No. 4, 15)2 (Sid)-x(Muis Proloca'iirileniK’s).
riato 111., ii.us. 102, 104 ; Tlato VI., %. 200 ; Plale IX., lix 201.
4’lic antonnae are deserihed as heinsj, composed ol lourteen joints
in both imago ami soldier, but iu a series ol imagos Irom (VmplH'll-
town, New 8outli Wales (Kroggatt’s eollec'tioii), the mimbei' is
invai'iably fifteeu.
Local ill /. — New South Wales.
Mirotkrmks KRARI’KIAIS’I Silvcstri.
Die Kaima Siidwest Australiens, Bd. ii., Biel 17, 15)05). Ilolmgi'eti,
Neu-(luinea dVrmiteu, 15)11 ; Kimgl. sv. vet. Alcad. Ibiiulk, Bd. 4(S,
No. 4, 15)12. Mjiiberg, Arkiv. bir Zoologi, \7>1. xii, No. 15, 15)20.
I’late 111., tigs. 105-112 ; I'late \'B, tig. 202 ; Blate IX., fig. 202.
('ousiderable dillietdty has In'en experienced in determining tlie
status of numerous series ol M itoIcthics Irom South-west Australia
owing to the variations found in both soldiers and imagos li'om
(litTei’ent colonies. Bractically no vai'iation has be('ii observaal in
imagos from the same colony, and such diHerences as have* been
d('tected in individuals from diHerent colonies, though constant, are
by no means inaT'ked. In the soldier caste al.so there is remaikabk'
agreement amongst individuals from the same colony, but variations
do occur occasionally (e.g., a specimen with smaller head, shorter
atid stouter froj)tal ])rocess ami narrower gula). Between individuals
from dilTerent colonies, however, there is olteii, a very marked
(lifTerence, whi(4i, in the absence ol imagos, might very reasonably
be regarded as specific. Mr. ('lark, to whom I am imlebted for the
material under discussion, on being apprised of the diiruadty, kindly
made a s])ecial effort to obtain further series, with the result that
about 45 colonies have been plac('d at my disposal, of which numbei
about twenty include alate imagos or (pieens. 4'he balance com-
prise soldiers and workers, or sohliers only, associated in most cases
with species belonging to othei' genera- Hamilcmes oheimlis Silv.,
Uaviilernieti sp., Le/acoleme.s clarki Hill, L. occidmis, n. s])., and
Liitervies apiocephahts Silv. and including several varieties oy races
more or less distimt. (in the soldier caste) from those of which the
imagos are known. In view of th(> fact that only slight diflerenc(>s
have been obscwved in series of imagos tlu^ respective soldiers o
which are more or less markcMlIy distinct, it has bc'cn c-onsidcncd
advisable for the present to icgarcl thc> whole- group as being rc-lc-rabh-
to a single spc-cic-s (4/. Lmepclriil Silv.) and to briefly dc-scribc- thc-
more important varieties or races without dc-signating thc-in by
r f:3 1
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
varietal names. A similar course might have been adopted in
dealing with certain of the North Australian forms, but in the latter,
in the absence of alate imagos, there is nothing in the material at
present available for study to suggest specific relationship between
the specimens proposed as new, ami for this reason they have been
given specific rank.
M . Imiejielin.i Silv. was described from soldiers and workers only
from M undaring, South-west Australia. Professor Silvestri has
kindly compared examples of these castes from the type locality
with the type series and these in turn hav^e been compared wdth
other series (also from the type locality) conpirising alate imagos,
one of which has been selected and described below as the typical
form invariably associated with soldiers of the variety or race
described by Silvestri.
Imago.
Colour. Head, posterior margin of thoracic nota and base of
veins very dark brown ; postclypeus and remainder of thoracic
nota Dresden to mummy bromi ; labrum pale orange yellow ;
antennae and ])leural sclerites mummy brown ; legs Dresden brown
more or less darkly suffusetl v/ith mummy brown ; wings dark
fuscous with slight iridescence in some lights.
Head (Fig. 105). -Pather small, hemispherical behind the eyes,
very setaceous. Postclypeus strongly convex, hemispherical behind,
truncate in front, about half as long as Avide, with distinct meflian
suture ; anteclypeus short, slightly produced in the middle. Labruni
wide at the base, widest at the posterior third, broadly rounded in
front. Fontanelle elongate, obscurely forked anteriorly. Eyes large
(0‘238 X 0‘255) and prominent, separated from the lower margin of
the head by a space equal to the short diameter of ocelli. Ocelli
large (0-068 X 0-102), about half their short diameter from the eyes.
Mandibles (Fig. 106) with the apical tooth not markedly longer than
the following one. Antennae (Fig. 107) 15-jointed ; 1st joint large,
about twice as long and one-fifth wider than 2nd ; 3rd very small ;
4th markedly larger than 3rd ; 5th smaller than 4th but larger than
3rd ; 6th to 14th increasing in length progressively ; 15th about as
long as 1st, pointed at the apex.
Thorax (Fig. 108).--Pronotum very setaceous, a little narrower
than head, concave in front, extreme anterior margin elevated,
anterolateral angles rounded to the broad posterior margm, which
is markedly sinuate ; posterior margin of meso- and metanotum
deeply emarginate.
Wings (Figs. 202, 203). — Large, costal margin pale yellow in
alcohol specimens ; radius markedly setaceous ; radial sector
setaceous throughout, suffused with dark brown posteriorly ; media
running through the anterior third of wing, generally simple but
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
frequently branched, often with one or more superior branches
towards the radial sector from the ]:)roximal third ; CTd)itus with
eight to thirteen branches, generally simple, the first six to eight
very dark. Membrane densely covered with micrasters and markedly
more setaceous on forewing than on hindwing.
Legs. -Moderately long and slender.
Abdomen . — Very setaceous ; cerci short and stout.
M easuremenis . —
Jjength with wings . .
,, without wings
Head, posterior margin to apex of labrum, long. .
,, posterior margin to clypeo frontal suture,
long
,, wide
I’ronotum, long
,, wide
Mhngs, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
mm.
11 -GO
5 -25 -5 -SO
0-91-1 -GO
G-65
0- 90
G-45
G-74
9-5G
2 -40-2 -50
1- GG
Soldier.
d I easuremenis . —
Head, base to apex of frontal process, long
,, wide
„ deep
(lula, at narrowest part, wide
mm.
1 -48 1 -71
G-97-1 -08
G -74-0 -85
G-17
Locality. — South-west Australia : Mundating, Gosnells, Armadale,
Ludlow, Collie, Lion Mill, Hovea, MMngong.
Twenty-five nest-series examined.
Type imago and associated soldiers and workers in the National
Museum of Victoria.
Variety “ A.”
Soldier.— Agrees with the typical form in having long-jointed
antennae and truncate labrum, but differs in having markedly more
slender mandibles and wider gula, and, generally, shorter, narrower
and shallower head.
Measurements . —
Head, to apex of frontal process, long
,, wide • •
„ deep
,, with mandibles, long . .
Gula, at narrowest paat, wide
Five nest-series (without imagos) from Mundaring.
mm.
1- 48
G-85
G-68-G-74
2- 62
G-2.5
[ 95 ]
TEKMITJ5S FEOM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Variety “ B.”
Soldier . — Aj>Tees with \hiriety “ K ” excejiting in size of head.
M easurements . — imn.
Head, to a])ex of frontal jirocess, long . . IdiO
„ wide .. .. .. .. 0-90
( !nla, at narrowest part, wide .. .. 0’20
Three nest-series (without iniagos) from near Perth.
Variety C.”
I mayo. in Variety “ E.”
Soldier.- Agrees with Variety “ E ” in liaving very slender
mandibles, but fliffers in having a wider head and mucdi Avider gula,
labrum not deeply notched anteriorly but truncate except at antero-
lateral corners wliich are j)roduced into short, tine points, frontal
process shorter and thicker at base.
yieasurementH. — mm.
Head, to ajiex of frontal process, long . . 1-59
wide . . . . ' . . . . 1 *14
deep .. .. .. .. 0-85^0 -91
(lula, at narrowest part, wide . . . . 0*25
One nest-series from Denmark (taken in January).
Variety “ D.”
Soldier (Eigs. Ill, 112). Agrees with the typical form m having
stout mandibles, but differs in having a noticeably larger head,
Avider, s])reading and deeply-notched labrum, relatively much
narroAver gula and stouter frontal process.
J / easvrements . — mm.
Head, to apex of frontal process, long . . 1 *99-2 '16
,, wide .. .. .. .. 1-14-1 -24
,, f^eep .. .. .. .. 0-97-1 -02
Gula, at narroAvest part, wide .. .. 0-13
One nest-series (Avithout imagos) from DAA^ellingup.
Variety “ E.”
Imago.- Differs from the typical form in having the postclypens
and antennae paler, fontanelle slit-like, eyes generally smaller but
sometimes as large, i.e., 0-221 x 0-238 to 0-238 x 0 - 255 .
Soldier (Mg. 113). Differs markedly from the typical form in
having the mandibles more slender, labrum deeply notched, Avider
gula, generally narroAver head and shorter jointed antennae.
1 96 1
I’ERMITKS FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measuremeihts . —
mm.
Head, to apex of frontal process, long . .
! -53 1 -70
(nirely)
,, with mandibles, long
2-85 2-9()
,, wide
(P96 1 -OO
(rarely)
deep . . . .
0-80 0-85
Hula, at narrowest part, wide
d-20 0-17
(rarely)
Fifteen nest-series from Albany and Bunbury.
Mirotermes melvillensis (Hill).
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., \’ol. xl, 1915.
Plate ML, fios. 114-119 ; Plate VI., %. 204 ; Plate IX., fig. 205 ;
IdateVlI., figs. 221, 222.
I MAGO.
Colour. I4ead and dorsum of thorax auburn ; postclypeus and
abdominal tergites argus brown ; under surface, legs and antennae
clay coloui', sternites of abdomen suffused laterally with Brussels
brown ; wing membrane a little, lighter.
Head (Kig. 114). Moderately setaceous, broadly rounded behind,
fiat on summit. Lyes large (0'204 diameter), jirominent, coarsely
facetted, separated from the lower margin of head by a space equal
to one-third their diameter. Ocelli large, broadly oval, close to eyes.
I’ostclypeus moderately convex, half as long as wide, markedly
convex behind, truncate in front. Labrum narrow at base, widest
in the middle. Fontanelle long and narrow, situated midway between
the base of head and clypeofrontal suture. Antennae 14- jointed ;
3rd joint smallest of all ; 4th and 5th equal.
Thorax (Fig. 115). Pronotum a little narrower than head,
slightly concave and bent up in front, anterolateral angles broadly
rounded, sides sloping to the rounded posterior margin, the surface
densely setaceous, the setae on the margins longest, golden. Meso-
and inetanotum deeply emarginate posteriorly, clothed as in pro-
notum.
Wings (Figs. 204, 205). Wing margin very setaceous except on
proximal one-third of hind border ; radial sector very stout, well
separated from radius, setaceous throughout its length ; the base
of the media and the first five or six tiranches of cubitus distinct,
but all discernible to their extremity. Wing membrane densely
covered with micrasters and liearing numerous setae.
Legs. Moderately stout, very setaceous.
Abdomen. Nearly parallel on the sides, apex pointed, clothed
densely with, short, pale setae ; cerci short and stout.
I()08.— 7
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements.
mm.
Length with wings . .
7 *50-8 -00
,, without wings
4 *00-4 -25
Head, from base to clypeofrontal suture, long . .
0-44
,, to apex of labrum, long
0-88
,, at and including eyes, wide
0-76
Wings, forewings, long
6 50
„ „ wide
1-76
,, hindwings, long
6-25
wide
1-82
Pronotum, long
0-42
,, wide
0-68
Tibia iii, long
0-73
.\bflomen, wide
1 -08
()rEKN.
Total length, 17 mm.
Soldier.
The following figures and measurements (from ty])e) are supple-
mentary to the original description : —
Measurements- - nira.
Head, to a}>ex of frontal })rocess, long . . . . 1'42
„ wide .. .. . .. ..0*80
,, deep .. .. .. ..0-68
Pronotum, long . . . . . . . . . . 0'20
„ wide .. .. .. ..0*49
Antennae, long . . . . . . . . . . 1‘82
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. .. ..0*68
Log
Northern Territory : Melville Island (type locality for
soldier and worker), 8tapletoir((}.F.H., 4.11.14, type locality for
imago), Bathurst Island, Darwin, Koolpinyah, and other localities
within 70 miles of Darwin on Darwin Pine Creek railway.
Biology. The termitaria vary a good deal in size and shape, but
are invariably built on or around a stump (Figs. 221, 222) or over
a large surface root ; in the latter case the mass is conical or bemi-
spherical, with a maximum diameter of about 20 inches. The
material used in tlieir construction is a black or dark grey composition
of earth and vegetable matter. The nymjdis pass through their final
moult about the middle of October and are capable of flight early in
November. Apterous or brachyjherous kings and queens have not
been found. This species is not of much importance as a pest
owing to its rarity, but there are instances of it having done con-
siderable damage to fence-posts and house-blocks. It has not been
found in the mounds of other terndtes.
TEKMITES KHOM THE AUSTRAJ.IAN EEGION.
Affinities.^ A very closely related s])ecies occurs on Magnetic
Island, N.Q. ((I.F.H., 9.7.21), and near Torreiis (reek, X.(). ((1. K.
Cook, 4.2.22), find another at Koolpinyah, N.T. (C.F. M., 20.4. IB).
All th ree colonies were found under logs and comprise soldiers and
workers only. Descriptions of these sfiecies are withheld until
further material is to luind.
4’ypes (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Adctoria.
Mirotermes tayeori (Hill).
I’roc. Linn. Boc. N.B.W., \d)l. xl, 1015.
Plate IV., fig. 120.
Boldier.
The following additional measurements are from a soldier from
the type colony : -
Measurements.
Head, to apex of frontal process, long
wide
„ deep
Pronotum, long . .
,, wide
Tifiia iii, long
Localitu. — Northern Territory
mm.
1-14
0-62
0-51
0-17
0-42
0-48
Ivoolpinyah.
Mi R OT ERM ES F ROG G ATT I (Hill).
Proc. Linn. Boc. N.B.W., Vol. xl, H)15.
Plate TV., fig. 121.
Boldier.
The following additional measurements are from a soldier from
the type colony : -
M easurements. — mm.
Head, to apex of frontal process, long .. .. 1*15
,, wide
Pronotum, long . .
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
The queen is described as having LCjointed antennae; the
correct number cannot be stated, :is ithe terminal joint is wanting
in the type (unique).
Locality.- Northern Territory : Darwin.
I 99 J
0-90
0-23
0-47
0-78
TEKMITES EEUM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Mirotermes harrisi Mjoberg.
Arki\'. for Zoologi, Vol. xii, No. 15, 1920.
Locality . — North Queerislaml.
Mirotermes maideni xMjoberg.
Arkiv. for Zoologi, Vol, xii. No. 15, 1920.
Locality. North (Queensland.
Mirotermes cheeli iVljdberg.
Arkiv. for Zoologi, Vol. xii, No. ]5, 1920.
IMate IV., figs, 122 124 ; Plate VI., fig. 200 ; Plate IX., fig. 207.
Imago.
Colour. Head, thorax and dorsum of abdomen dark chestnut ;
postclypeus lighter than head but darker than antennae, legs and
under surface ; anteclypeus hyalin? ; ivings fuscous, veins dark
and distinct to their extremitv. '
Head (Fig. 122). Sinall, hemis[)herical behind the eyes, very
setaceous, hontanelle elongate, narrowed anteriorly, in line with
the middle of the eyes. Antennae (Fig. 123) 15-jointed, the 3rd
joint shortest aiul narrowest, 1th equal t() or a little longer than 5th.
Postclypeus small, hemispherical behind, Avith indistinct suture.
Fyes huge (0 -250 diameter), prominent, situated as far above the
loAver margin of the head as their inner margins are from the ocelli.
Ocelli large, o\'al, one-third longer than wide, separated from the
eyes by a S]>ace erpial to one-half their width.
Ihora.j' (I4g. 124). - Large, nearly as wide as head, very setaceous,
concave in frotit, anterolateral angles broadly rounded, posterior
margin slightly sinuate. Posterior margin of meso- and metanotum
deeply emarginate.
11 hiys (Mgs. 206, 207).— Small, slender ; radial sector and margin
(excepting proximal one-third of posterior inaigin) very setaceous ;
forewing with twelve, the hindwing with nine branches from the
cubitus, the eighth in forewing and seventh and eighth in hindwing
generally forked. Membrane densely covered with micrasters and
ivith few setae.
d I easurenients . —
Length with wings . . .. 8 -00- 8 -50
,, without wings .. .. .. 4 -25-4 *50
Head, base to clypeofrontal suture, long . . Q-65
,, base to apex of labrum, long , . .. 14)8
,, at and including eyes, nude . . . . 0 •85-4) ‘88
[ 100 ]
TEP.MITES EKOM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements . —
mm.
Auteimae, lono’
Wings, foreAvings, long
,, ,, wide
., hindwings, long
,, „ wide
I’ronotum. long
,, wide
1-50
7 '00
1- 97
6 -50
2- 06
0 -474) '51
0- 74-0 -80
Locality.— Queensland: Kollingstone ((4.K.H., 21.2.21),
all castes ; Mareeba (U.F.H., 23.5.21), soldiers and workers : Meringa
(P\ H. Taylor, 9 19.12.24), all castes ; Houth dolmston (F.H.T.,
9.11.24), soldiers and workers.
Identificatio'ii. In response to a request to compare the Kolling-
stone s])ecimens with the type imago (a queen) Professor Hjiistedt
very kindly ])ointed out certain diflerences and, at the same time,
forwarded both the type series and a variety from Laura for examina-
tion. flompared with my specimens the type imago is somewhat
narrower across the head, has eyes '01 smaller in diameter and has
the pronotum slightly shorter and more narrowed posteriorly, l)ut
all of these differences are within the range of variation found in
the long series of individuals examined. The soldiers agree more
closely with the Laura specimens than with the typical form, but
tlie latter occurs also at .Meringa witli imagos which appear to lie
(}uite typical. In the description the thorax of the type imago is
stated to be 0'29 long ; this is evidently a typogra])hical error, the
actual length being 0'44.
Hiohx/i/.— The termitaria are built, as Mjdberg states, on the base
of a tree-trunk or direct on the ground, the nest illustrated by him
lieing tyjiical of many found in the vicinity of Rollingstone. One
isolated nest measured 2 feet in height by 2 ft. b in. through its long
axis (north and south) by 1 ft. 3 in. through its short axis, thus it
resembled in form some of the nests of Haniitsnnes ivilsGui Hill
described in an earlier paper (Hill, 1922). There is no well-defined
division between the hard, blackish outer wall and the more woody
interior, such as exists in the nests of Coptotermes .sqi/i., but the
formation of the middle portion is not unlike that found in the nests
of the latter groiqi, although the design is not nearly so bold. When
opened on 21st February the nest contained an immense immlieT-
of eo-o's and voung in all stages of development, but alate imagos
were^not plentiful, and it appeared that tlie main colonizing flight
had taken place some days earlier during or following heavy falls
of rain. 'J'he soldiers are pugnacious and, like most of their congeners,
crepitate when alarmed. As is well known in other species of this
oenus this action is followed instantly by a spring backwards or
&
[ 101 I
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
sideways whicli carries the insect a distance of | inch to (in this
species) 2 inches.
Examples from tlie above-mentioned series are in the National
.Museum of Victoria.
iMiROTERMES ALLENi Mjbberg.
Arkiv. for Zoologi, Vol. xii, No. 15, 1920.
L oca It ty . — North (lueensla nd .
.Mirotermes rroomensis Afjbberg.
Arkiv. for Zoologi, Vol. xii. No. 15, 1920.
-North-west Australia.
5Iirotermes .\licensis Mjoberg.
Arkiv. for Zoologi, Vol. xii. No. 15, 1920.
Locality . — N orth Qrieensla nd .
Mirotermes septentrionalis, n. sp.
Plate IV., figs. 125-127.
Soldier.
Colour.- Head and antennae orange rufous, labrum yellov' ochre,
thorax and legs cream buff, remainder of insect whitish.
Head (Ifigs. 125, 126). Large, parallel on the sides, truncate
behind ; frontal jirocess short and wide, without lateral jirocesses ;
antennal carinae large and heavily chitinized. Antennae (Fig. 127)
14-jointed, 2nd joint a little longer and much narrower than 3rd ;
3rd longer anrl wider than 4th, shortest of all ; 5th and 6th equal.
Labrum very long and wide, spreading markedly to the deeply
notched apex, (hda narroAv, 0 •228-0 ’255 at its narrowest part.
J horar.- Pro)iotum narrowed and sharply bent iqi in front,
anterior margin rounded and slightly emarginate, anterolateral angles
bluntly rounded, posterior margin rouiuied and emarginate as in
anterior border, the entire margin with a scantv fringe of short and
moderately .stout .setae.
Leys.- Moderately short and stout, with few setae.
Abdomen. Elongate, Avidest in the middle, pointed toAvards the
apex, AAuth scanty^ long and short pale reddish setae ; cerci large.
[ 102 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Measurements.— nini .
Head, to apex of frontal process, long . . . . 1 "83
'Pliorax and abdomen, long .. .. 3 '19
Head, wide . . . . . . . . . . 1 '36
,, deep . . . . . . . . • • 9 ”94
Ib'onotum, long . . . . . . . . . . 0'42
,, wide .. .. .. . 0‘84
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. .. .. 1 diO
Aoca/d,y.- -Northern Territory: Darwin, (l.P'’.H., 24.1.17 (type
locality), Stapleton, (I.F.H., 1.5.13 (two series).
Affin ities. Closely allied to M. orhns, n. sp., M. quadratus, n. sp.,
M. tmideni Mjdb., and M. broomensis Mjiib., from all of which it is
distinguished by differences in the frontal process, labrum, antennae
and contour of the head.
Biolorjy. The type series was collected from a dilajiidated
tennitarium of Kutermes pasti'iuitor Hill from which the original
occupants had disappeared. 44ie same nest was also occupied by
a colony of each of the following s]>ecies : M k<)termes sunte/n n. sj).,
Rhinotermes sp., and Eutermes sp. The Stapleton series were found
in the old tennitarium of Euterrnes palmersto^ii Hill described and
illustrated in an earlier paper (P.L.S., N.S.W., xl, 1915, p. 93,
pi. 17 and 18) in association with Coptoterm.es acinaeiformis (Frogg.)
and Enterm.es sp.
Type in the National Museum of Victoria.
Mirotermes inprequens, n. sp.
Plate IV., figs. 128-131 ; Plate VI., fig. 208 ; Plate IX., fig. 209.
Imago.
Head dark bay, clypeus much lighter; mouth ])arts,
antennae and legs snuff brown ; coxae, pleura and sternites of
abdomen darker ; pronotum ami tergites of abdomen a little lighter
than head (auburn) ; wings light fuscous.
Head. - Very setaceous, like thorax and abdomen ; short and
wide, broadly rounded behind, narrowed sharply between the eyes
and posterolateral angles of clypeus, a large hairless area of jialer
colour than remainder of head in the anterolateral angles between
ocelli and posterolateral angles of cly})eus. Fyes relatively large
(0-187 X 0-187) and very prominent, close to lower margin of head
(0-050). Ocelli large, oval, twice as long as wide (0-034 X 0-068),
oblique, about half their width from eyes. Postclypeus twice as
wide as long (0-170 X 0-340), markedly convex, hemispherical
behind, truncate in front, with a distinct dark brown median suture.
Anteclypeus large, half as long as postclypeus, sides short and ex-
panding anteriorly, anterior margin obtusely augulate. Labrum
1 103 ]
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REOION.
moderately large, narrowed at the base, widest in the middle, broadly
rounded in front, yellow, witli numerous setae. Antennae (hig. 129)
14-]ointed ; 1st joint large, nearly twice as long as wide ; 2nd half
as long as 1st ; 3rd shorter than 5th ; 4th shorter and narrower
than 3rd ; 6th to 14th very long ; 3rd rarely shorter than 4th.
hontanelle linear, nearly as long as postclypeiis, very narrow.
Thorax (Fig. 128). Pronotum nearly truncate in front, Avith the
extreme margin slightly raised, sides rounded, posterior margin
broailly roundeil and without emargination. Posterior margin of
meso- ami metanotum deeply and acutely notched.
Wha/H (Figs. 208, 209). Padius and radical sector dark broA\m ;
only base of media dark, remainder \mry imlistinct but discernible
to its extremity by a row of minute setae along its course ; cubitus
Avith about nine branches in the foreAving ami from nine to twelve
in the hindAving, all but the six or seven proximal ones very indistinct.
Membrane Avith numerous minute setae, chiefly on A^eins, and densely
covered Avith micrasters. Fore and himlAvings of about equal size.
Legs. Slender ; claws long and slender.
Abdomen. Short, })arallel on the sides, bluntly ])ointed at the
apex ; cerci small.
M eas ur erne Ids . - - mm.
Length AAuth Avings . . . . . . . . 7'50
,, Avithout AAungs .. .. .. . . 4*00
Head, to apex of labrum, long . . . . . . 0’86
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long .. .. 0'52
,, Avide . . . . . . . . . . 0 *76
Pronotum, long . . . . . . . . . . 0‘34
,, Avide . . . . . . . . 0 *59
Wings, long . . . . . . . . . . 6‘40
,, Avide . . . . . . . . . . 1 •70
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. .. .. 0’74
Abdomen, Avide . . . . . . . . . . 0'85
()UEEN.
Total length, 6 ‘50 mm. ; abdomen, Avide, 1’40 mm.
Soldier.
Colour. Head raAV sienna, clypeus and irons Sanford's broAvm ;
labrum hyaline Avith ochraceous area in middle.
Head (Fig. 130).— Shagreened, with scattered setae aboAm and on
sides, more numerous on irons and especially near fontanelle ; short
and Avide, truncate in front, Avidest behind antennal fossae, slightly
narroAveil posteriorly to the nearly truncate hind margin ; frontal
process dark, very small, hardly projecting beyond the irons ;
1 101 1
termitp:;s from thp] Australian rpxuon.
fontanelle situated midway between clypeo frontal suture and frontal
piocess. Labium with anterolateral angles produced into acute
})omts. Antennae (Fig. 131) 14-jointed ; 1st long and stout, rather
more than half as wdde as long ; 2nd as long as 1st is wide, narrowest
ah base ; 3rd one-fifth shorter than 2nd, widest in middle ; 4th
shortest and narrowest of all ; 5th a little longer and wider than
ord ; 6th to 14th progressively longer ; 14tli as long as 1st, one-
third as wide as long. Llypeus nearly quadrate ; ' anteclypeus
whitish, loiinded m front ; frons concave, shagreened, rugose.
Thorax.- Pronotum very small, less than half as wdde as liead,
sharply bent up in front, anterolateral angles prominent, sides
sloping t() the slightly emarginatc rounded posterior margin, entire
margin with scanty fringe of moderately stout reddish setae.
Legs.- Moderately stout, wdth few' setae.
Abdomen.- Elongate-oval, ])ointed tcnvards the apex, wddest in
middle, with scanty long and short setae.
Measurements. - 211111 .
Total length . . . . . , , . . . 3’29
Head, to apex of frontal process, long . . . , 1 -08
,, at wddest part, wdde . . . . . . ()*87
,, at narrowest part, w'ide .. .. . . 0‘75
Pronotum, long . . . . , . . . . . 0-23
wdde .. .. .. .. 0-40
Tibia iii, long .. .. .. .. .. 0*56
W'ORKER.
Colour.- Head, thorax, legs ami antennae straws yellowL
Head. Slightly longer than wide, posterior half hemispherical,
antennal fossae large, frons flattened, clothed wdth moderately large
reddish setae ; postclypeus large, markedly convex and arcuate
behind, twdce as wdde as long, wdth scattered reddish setae ; ante-
clyjieus very short and broad, anterior margin obtusely angulate.
Antennae 14-jointed ; 4th joint shortest, about half as long as 3rd.
Thorax.- Pronotum tw'o-thirds the wddth of head, similar in
shape to that of soldier, wdth scanty reddish setae as on meso- and
metanotum.
HWowcw.-- Elongate-oval, wddest in the middle, tapered to the
pointed apex.
Lomlitg. South-west Australia ; Wongong (type locality), Lud-
low', Armadale. Collected by Mr. 3. Clark.
Affinities. The small size of the imago and the shajje of the head
of the soldier distinguish this from any other knowm Australian
species.
Types (imago, soldier and worker) in National Museum of
Victoria.
TEEMI'rES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Mirotermes quadratus, n. sp.
Plate IV, fig. 1-^2.
Soldier.
Wry closely allied to M. hroommsLs Mjdb., from North-west
Australia, a co-type of wldcli 1 have liad for comparison. It dift'ers
in Imvino markedly smaller antenmil joints, more deeply notched
la brum "tuore prot'uiueut and elevated frontal process and more
prominent lateral processes (Fig. i:52). The head and bo< I y measure-
ments are ap])roximately the same, d'he antennae arc 14-]omted ,
1st joint very long, narrow at the base, widening towards tlie apex,
vvdiere it is half as wide as long ; 2nd, 2rd and 4tli equal in lengtli,
al)out half as long and wide as 1st ; 2nd a little narrower than drd
and 4th ; bth longer and wider than 4th ; bth to 14th inc leasing in
length progressively ; 14th one-third longer than oth.
Local It I/. Northern 4'erritory : Strqileton ((n.b.ll., 2d. 12. 12).
Described from a single specimen found in a termitarium of
^llcnvcerote■rmes nerrosus, n. sp., whiidi contained also one soldier of
an undescribed species of 1 1 ami tenues -dod numerous ants {Camponotus
novaeMlamlae Mayr. and Kuponera latea Mayr., var. clam t'rawley).
Type in the National Museum of Victoria.
Mirotermes sunteri, n. sp.
Plate IV fio's. Idd ldb ; Plate VI., fig. 210 ; Plate IX., fig. 211 ;
Plate VI 1., figs. 222, 224.
Imago.
Colour. Head, pronotum and anterior one-third of meso- and
metanotnm and first three abdominal tergites dark chestnut, re-
maining tergites shading to antique brown ; under surface antique
brown, '"pleura and sixth sternite of abdomen (9) darkest, the first
five sternites buckthorn brown with lateral dark areas. Wings
fuscous, as in M. cheeh Mjfib.
Head (Fig. Idd). Broadly rounded behind, flat on summit,
setaceous. Fyes large (0 -205 0 -272), circular, rather coarsely
facetted, not prominent, separated from lower inargin of head by a
space equal to one-fifth their diameter. Ocelli large, broadly oval,
seiiarated from the eyes by a space nearly equal to that seqiaiating
eyes from lower margin of head. Fontanelle linear. Postclypeus
convex, less than twice as wide as long, semicircular behind, truncate
in front ; antecly{)ens short and slightly produced anteriorly.
Babruin narrowed' at the base, wide in the middle and bluntly
pointed in front. Antennae (Fig. 135) 15-jointed ; 3rd joint shortest
and narrowest ; 4th and 5th equal. Mandibles (Fig. 134u and h)
with very long apical tooth.
1 100 I
termites from the AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Thorax (Fig. 136). -Pronotum very large, nearly as wide as
head, anterior margin slightly concave and elevated, sides sloping
shar])ly to the rounded posterior margin, which is not emarginate,
the margins densely Iringed with long ])ale setae, remainder of
surface i-ather densely clothed with shorter setae. Posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum deeply notched.
Wings (Figs. 210, 211). -Similar to those of M. melviUensis
(Hill) ; densely covered with micrasters.
Legs. Moderately short and stout, densely setaceous.
Abdomen.- Nearly parallel on the sides, tapered to the bluntly
pointed apex ; tergites and sternites densely clothed with h)ug and
short setae ; sixth sternite in the female very long.
Measurements . —
Length with Avings . .
,, without wings
Head, to apex of labrum, long
,, to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Wings, forewings, long
,, wide
,, hindwings, long
,, wide
5 ) >’
Pronotum, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
mm.
9 *25-9 -50
5 -GO
0-98
0-59
0-88
7 -50
2 -GO
7-3G
2-G5
G-61
0-85
G-76
1*12
SonniER.
Very closely allied to M. alieensis Mjbb., but differing in the
following characters : Frontal jn'ocess wider at the base, and
i)roccsses at tlie side of it smaller, lalnaim distinctly narrower
antennal carinae more pi'ominent, mandibles more slender, liead
(Fig. 137) deejier and of different shape. The antennae (tig. 138)
are similarly segmented.
Measurements . —
Total length
Head, to apex of frontal process, long
,, wide
„ deep
Pronotum, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
mm.
6-15-6-3G
1-59 1 -71
1 -G2
G-8G-G-85
G-34
G-68
G-88
Locality.- Northern Territory : Darwin (type locality) and other
localities southward to Stapleton, 7G miles from Darwin.
1 107 ]
'l’I<:iliMlTKS THE AITSTKAI.IAN KK(JION.
TliirtV'thrce newt-series examined (colleeted by (I.K.H.), of wliicli
number sixteen were from tlieir own termitaria and seventeen from
tlie termitaria of species in otlier yenera.
HioiofUj. Small communities are cotnmotdy found in raml)liny
t)assayes in tlie walls of occu|)ied or abandoned termitaria of otlier
species, in wliicli tliey b.nd sidlicient accommodation until the jiro-
duction of alate forms commences, when they jiroceed to build tor
tliemselves. The result may lu^ a, rounded excrescence on the side of
the original termitarium or a low dome-shajied mound at the foot
of it (see bhy. 224) ; iu either case it is a cons|)icuous object on
account of its dark yrey or blackish colour. Isolated mounds are
common and are invai'iably built on a stump or upon the yround
overlyiny a stum[), root or loy. 4 he termitarium illustrated in
Kiy. 222 is also a commou type and indicates the extent of daniaye
that may be done to fencc'-posts, house-blocks and other wooden
objects. 4'he following field notes refer to this species : (1) 24 miles
soutli-east from Darwin, 14.1.12. Soldiers and woi'kers from an
abandoned mound of ExtermeH /lahinrsfovi Hill, in 'wliich was found
also a colony of each of the following species : llamitermes {Ih'epano-
fermes) se])fen/rioiial is Mill, M irotennes iiiclrilleiisis (Mill), /laniifermes
sj). and Eiilernies sp. (2) Same locality and date. (,)ueen, soldiers
and workers from nest resembling .1/. nielrilletfsis (l^dy. 222) built
over and around hardwood pile supporting sheetiny at foot of railway
embankment ; pile almost completely destroyed ; (pieen in small
flattened cell about 20 mm. in diameter by 5 mm. liiyli. (2)
Jiatchelor. 17.2.12. ()ueeu. soldiers and workers from a mound
similar to that illustrated by Fiy. 222, built around trunk of dead
Kucah/pfifs ti'ei' iu forest ; ipieeu in small cell at yround level in
centre of mound. (4) Same locality and date. Soldiers and workers
from bia(4<ish nest on side of dead tree ; this and many others in
same locality resembled the nest of 4/. c/ieeli illustrated by Mjbbery
(1920, Plate 5). (5) 24 miles south-east from Darwin, 27.7.12.
Soldiers and woi'kers from a small blackish, rounded mass built on
the side of a termitarium of Eiifennes jjalijierstoni Hill 20 inches
from the yround. (b) Koolpiuyah, 21.1 1.12. Soldiers, workers and
fii'st-form nymphs from a mound similar to that illustrated by
Fig. 222. 44ie ];ost liad been in tke ground four years. (7) Darwin,
16.12.12. Alate imagos, soldiers, workers and tirst-form nyni])hs
from black, earthy mass enveloping the hardwood timbering at
entrance to miner's prospecting shaft. Uhivofermes sp. Avere found
iu the mass and in the adjacent timber. (8) Darwin, 12.11.14.
Alate imamis, soldiers and workers from a lari>e termitarium built
at the fiase of a MeUilomt tree. 'File middle of the mass contained
a large colony of Coptotennes acinavifonhis (Frogg.) completely
envelo])ed in a dense coveiing of black earthy material 12 inches or
more in tluckness, wliich contained three distinct coloi\ies of T//ro-
fernies, eacli with a fully developed first-form (]ueen, alate imagos,
I 108 I
^’lORMri’KS RHOM 'I’ll 10 AUSTItALIAN KKAaoN.
soldiers and workers. Other parts of the mass contaiued a larL>e
colony of ants {Opiailiopsis haddom Km. atid (drmjionoliis iiorae-
hoUavdae Mayr.). (D) Same locality and date. .All castes, inchidiipu,'
alate imagos and a (jneen, Irom a ternntaruim similar to that
illnstrated hy Kio'. from the base ol a mound ol hiile.rnie.s
loHt/i pe/HHis Mill. (10) 40 miles west from Stapleton, 2.10.14. .Alat(‘
imagos, soldiers and worker's from a blackish irreynlarly-shapr'd
mound brrilt over' a, loy lyiny upon the o;round. (11) Dai'win,
,40.10.14. Soldiers and workers in termitai'ium of ^l im>cemfernie.s
nmm.s (Hill). (12) Darwin, -b.lO.bb. .Alate imayos, soldiers and
workers from a dome-sliaped earthy mound 12 inches high on rail-
way embankment ; most of the colony in a tree trunk lying 0 inches
below the surface. (14) Darwin, 14.'l0.1,b. .Mate imagos, soldiers
and workers fi'oin a ty])ica! mound built jrartly on ground and jrartly
on stem of MacTozain la plant ; the majoT'ity ol the imagos wru'C seen
to leave the colony during heavy I'atn. two days earlier. (D1) Da.rwiii,
19.9.10. All castes, including alate inragos, frortt a |)arallel-sided,
round-topped mound 12 inclies higlt and built over' a large root
several inches Irelow the surface.
4’y[res (inrago aird soldier) in the National Museum of Victoria.
MiRO'I’KRMEvS KANKSIENSIS, n. S[).
Plate IV., figs. 1.49-144 ; Plate AH., fig. 212 ; Tlate IX., fig. 214.
1 MAGO.
Colour. Head and pronotum very dark cliestnut ; postclypeus
and labrum distinctly lighter, a little darker than antennae, legs
atid mouth-])arts ; anteclypeus whitish, hyaline ; ventral surface
same colour as legs, the sternites dark brown laterally ; wings dark
fuscous.
Head (Idg. 149). Very hairy; fontanelle lanceolate, nai'rowed
anteriorly; antennae (Kig. 14 1) 15-jointed.
\'ery closely related to M. cheeli Mjbb., from which species it
may be distinguished by the lollowmg characters; Head moie
setaceous, postclypeus much ligliter ; wings smaller, lighter and
with different micrasters ; head and body lighter coloured (iTiore
reddish) ; ocelli larger (0-080 X 0*112, as agaiiist 0*004 X 0*0<SO in
M. cheeli)', dilTerently shaped thorax (cf. IHgs. 124, 140). I he
relative position of the eyes to the lower ttiargin of the head and of
the ocelli to tlie eyes is about tlie same in the two species, as is the
size of the eyes.
MeasaremenLs. -
Perigtli witli wings . .
,, without wings
Head, to apex of lal)rum, long
,, wide
mm.
7*00 7*25
4*70 4*25
1 *04
0*84
I. Juf I
TKRMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
M easu/mnents continued .
Antennne, long
I’ronoturn, long
,, wide
Wings, forewings, long
wide
? J 9 5 VV M
,, liindwings, long
„ „ wide
d’ihia iii. long
Him.
L-:30 1-4U
0-47
0-70
6-25
2-02
6- 10
2-11
0-94
Soldier.
1 fun unable to find a.ny cliaraeters by wliicli tlie soldiers of this
species can be separated from tliose ol M. cJieeli. In most examples
the third joint of the a-utennae is markedly longer than the second
and fourth (as desciabed in 4/. vheeli), but in some the difference is
almost imperceptible, as is the case in one ol Mjfiberg s s})ecimens.
The frontal process is a little less pointed than in the co-type referred
to, but the difference is very slight.
Worker.
As in 4/. cheili Mjbb.
Ijocality. Islands of Torres Strait.
Described from a comj)lete nest-series collected on Banks Island
by Rev. (1. A. Luscombe (22.11.20) from a termitarium about 2 feet
high. The folhnving additional s])ecimens were received also from
the same collector : — A conijilete nest-series from a blackish, earthy
mound built against a tree-trunk, Banks Island (26.11.20); soldiers,
v'orkers and yoniig larvae from a similar nest, Badu Island (26.11.21) ;
soldiers, workers and two first-foTTU (pieens (ovigerous) from a black,
earthy termitarium 2 feet huig by 1 foot across at the widest part,
built near the ground on tree-trunk, Banks Island (27.4.21) ; (4)
soldiers, workers, nym})hs and 30 brachypterous queens from termi-
tarium similar to (3), Banks Islarul ((J.A.L., 22.6.21); (5) soldiers,
workers and young larvae from interior of dead coconut palm,
Banks Island (Dr. (f. 11. Vernon, September, 1920).
Ty])es (imago, soldier and worker) in the National Museum of
Victoria.
Miro'cermes orrus, n. sp.
Blate IV., iigs. 144-146 ; Plate VI., fig. 214.
liMA(a:'.
Simihu' to 47. smUeri, n. s|). in gross appearance and colour of
wings, but the dorsal surface is slightly darker and the ventral
[ 110 1
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
surface distinctly darker, eyes muck smaller, head larger and more
setaceous, postclypeus shorter (0*062 as against 0*074), and pro-
notum distinctly different (cf. Figs. 136, 144).
Head. Flyes small, prominent, circular (0*221 0*238), close
(0*068) to lower margin (»f head. Ocelli rather small, oval, separated
from the eyes by a space equal to their breadth. Anteimae lb-
jointed. Fontanelle linear. Mandibles ap[)arently as in M. sunferi.
Thorax (Fig. 144).- Pronotum concave in front, anterolateral
angles rounded, sides rounded to the slightly sinuate posterior
margin. Posterior margin of nieso- and metanotnm deeply emargi-
nate.
M bn/.s- (Fig. 214).— Hindwing with radius and radial sector
dark ; media distinct to the apex of wing, without branches ; cubitus
joining the margin at apex of wdng, with thirteen branches, the first
nine distinctly darker than the remainder. Membrane moderately
setaceous and densely covered with micrasters.
M easure'menls . —
Length without wings
Plead, to apex of labrum, long
,, to clypeof rental suture, long
,, wide
Pronotum, long . .
,, wide
Wings, hindwings, long . .
wide . .
5 ) ? J J.V4-V
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide . .
mm.
5*00
1*00
0*65
0*91
0*57
0*82
8*00
2*16
0*85
1*30
Soldier.
Differs from M . septentriotMlis, n. sp. as follows ; Frontal
process much larger (Figs. 145, 146), front of head less receding,
labrum smaller and narrowed towards the apex (not widened, as in
47. septentrionalis), gula narrower (0*170 at narrowest part), antennae
with longer and narrower joints, the 2nd joint shorter and narrower
than 3rd and 4th, which are equal in length and shortest of all,
3rd as long as 5th but wider, 5th to 14th long and slender, 6th to
13th about equally long, 14th longer and narrower than 13th,
pointed.
Worker.
Colour.- Head clay colour, postclypeus light orauge yellow.
7/ead.- Moderately setaceous, the hairs mostly long ; widest in
line with the insertion of antennae, sloping to the rounded posterior
margin. Postclypeus moderately convex, with indistinct median
suture, short, about three-eighths as long as wide ; anteclypeus small,
1 111 ]
'I’KRMITK.S FROM THK AUSTRAI.IAN HECaON.
anterior inaru'in convex. Antennae ]4-)ointed; 4tli joint sliortest,
hut little shorter than hrd ; 5th iioticeably longer than 4th and
sliorter tliaii, (itli ; htli to I ttli lony and slendei'.
Thorax. Pronotnin much narrower than Iiead ; witli scattered
lono, pale hairs, anterior lialf narrowed and hent up, anterior margin
with slight emargination, anterolateral angles produced, the sides
and postei’ior margin together almost hemis[)herical.
MeaxaremealK.
Total length
Head, to apex of lahrum, long
,, to cly|)eofrontal suture, lon^
,, wide
Protiotum, loiig
,, wide
441)ia iii, long
LoruLif/i. Northei’n Territory : Staj)leton
mm.
4 d >0-4 -75
(>•85-1 -19
0 •45-0 -62
0-85-1 -08
0-28-0 -80
0-57 0-62
0-85-0-91
Described f?'oni two irnagos, one soldier and two workers from
near the ground in the clayey wall of a termitarium of Coptotermes
aci/iiaciforna.s (Krogg.), which was itihabited also by a colony of
^! ioroceroferine.'i fufiax, n. sp. (D.F.H., 21.12.12).
Ty|)es (imago, soldier and worker) in tlie National .Museum of
\4ctoria.
.Mikotermes octa’LTUS, n. si).
IMate IV., figs. 147 149 ; Idate VI., fig. 215.
I MA(!().
Colour. Head chestnut ; [lostclypeus clay colour ; labrum liglit
orange yellow ; thorax and abdomen a little lighter than head ;
under surface, wings and legs ochraceous tawiry.
[lead (Fig. 147). Small, bi'oadly rounded beldnd, moderately
setaceous, hairs short. Fontanelle long and narrow, obscurely forked
anteriorly, its anterior end in line with the middle of the eyes. Eyes
relatively large (0-187 X 0-187), prominent, finely facetted. Ocelli
large, broadly oval, separated from the eyes by a s])ace equal to
their breadth. Fostclypeus small, about one-third wider than long
(0-204 X O-.'lOb), truncate in front, moderately convex, median
suture not very distinct, with scattered, moderately long setae ;
antec'lypeus large, nearly half as long as iK)sti‘lyi)eus, slightly pro-
duced in front. Eabrum long and rather narrow, narrow at base,
I'ounded in front. Mandibles (Fig. 148) with the a[)ical tooth
markedly longer than the succeeding one. Antennae 14-jointed ;
2rd joint very little smallei' than 4th ; 5th to Kith increasing in
size progressively.
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Thorax (Fig. 149). - l^roiiotum wide, nearly as wide as head and
similarly clothed ; anterior margin slightly sinuate, with extreme
edge elevated and with indistinct emargination ; sides sloping to
the markedly sinuate posterior margin ; a deep impression on either
side of the median line just behind the upturned anterior border.
Posterior margin of meso- and metanotum deeply emarginate.
Wings (Fig. 215). Wing-stumps covering about two-thirds
of their respective nota, base of veins distinct. Wings small ; radial
sector noticeably darker than other veins ; inedia traversing the
wing above the middle and joining the margin at the apex, simple
or with two or three branches ; cubitus with ten to twelve branches,
the first five to eight moderately distinct, all discernible to the
border, the last sometimes with one or two branches. Membrane
with or without mmute setae, generally present on forewdng and
absent on hindwing ; micrasters very small and quite distinct from
those of other species.
Legs. — Short and moderately stout, rather densely clothed wdth
long setae ; claws long.
M easurements . —
Length with wings . .
„ without wings
Head, to apex of labrum, long
„ to clypeofrontal suture, long
,, wide
Pronotum, long
,, wide
Wings, long
,, wide
Tibia iii, long
Abdomen, wide
mm.
7
•50-8
00
3
•70 4
15
0
■80 0
90
0
•42 0
47
0
•08 (1
71
0-34
0-59
6*75
1
•65 1
•76
0-44
0-90
Locality. — Northern Territory : Koolpinyah.
Described from specimens collected on the wing at sundown
(G.F.H., 23.11.13). A few specimens of M. froggatti (Flill), or a
very closely allied species, were associated with them.
Affinities.- Distinguished from M. taylon (Hill) by slightly larger
eyes, oval ocelli, 14-jointed antennae, much shorter and wider pro-
notum, and from M. froggatti (Hill) by its smaller size, smaller eyes
and ocelli and distinctly different pronotum.
Type in the National Museum of Victoria.
1608.— 8
I 113 I
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
UTP]RATURE.
Desneux, J. (1905). Isoptera of New Cluiiiea. Aim. Mus. Nat. Huiif^arici,
Vol. iii.
Froggatt, W. W. (189t)- 7). Aii.straliaii Tennitidae. Proc. Liim. Soc. N.S.W.,
VoLs. xxi and xxii.
Frocjgatt, W. W. (1915). Whit' Ants. Department of Agriculture, N.S.W.,
Pdirmers' Bulletin No. liO.
Hh.l, G. F. (1915). Northern Territory Termitidae. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.,
Vol. xl.
Hill, G. F\ (1921). White Ant Pe.st in North Australia. Commonwealth In.stitute
of Science and Industry, Bulletin No. 21.
Hill, G. F. (1921). New and Rare Australian Termites. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.,
Vol. xlvi.
Hill, G. F^. (1922). On Some .Australian Termites of the Genera Drepaiiotermes,
Hamitermea and Leucotennes. Bull. Flntom. Re.s., ITil. xii.
Hill, G. F. (1922). Descriptions and Biology of Some North Australian Termites.
Proc. Idiin. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. xlvii.
Holmgren, N. (1909). Termitenstiidieii. Kungl. Sv. vet. Akad. Handl., Bd. 44,
No. :l
Holmgren, N. (1911). Neu-Guinea Termiten. Alitt. aus dem Zool. Mus. Berlin,
Bd. 5.
Holmgren, N. (1912). Neue Termiten aus dem Deutschen Entom. Mus. Flntoni.
Mitteiluogen, Bd. 1, No. 9.
Holmgren, N. and K. (1915). Termiten aus Neu-Caledonien und den benachbarten
Inselgruppen. Sarasin and Koux, Nova Caledonia, Zook, Vol. ii. No. 6.
Mjoberg, E. (1920). llesults of Dr. E. Mjoberg’s Swedish Scientific Flxpeditions
to Australia 1910-13. Arkiv. for Zoologi, Bd. .xii, No. 15.
Hidgway, R. (1912). Colour Standards and Nomenclature. Washington.
SiLYESTRi, F. (1909). Die Fauna Siidwest-Australiens, Isojitera, Vol. ii. No. 17.
Tillyarj), R. ,1. (1919). Studies in Au.stralian Neuroptera, No. 7. Proc. Linn
Soc. N.S.W., Vol. .xliii.
Snyder, T. E. (1924). Descri])tions of New S])ecies and Hitherto Unknown Castes
of Termites from America and Hawaii. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 64,
art. No. 6.
TEEMITES FROM THE AUSTKAEIAN EE(J1()N.
EXPLANATION OK Pl.ATES.
Ki.si.
1.
2.
o
O.
4 .
5 .
(i.
7 .
8 .
9 .
10 .
11 .
12 .
13 .
14 .
15 .
]().
17 .
18 .
19 .
20 .
21 .
22 .
23 .
24 .
25 .
2G.
27 .
28 .
29 .
30 .
31 .
32 .
33 .
34 .
35 .
3 ( 1 .
Plate I.
Caloterme^i (Neolenjies) papun liiuvsio ;
Desn.
,, ,, „ Soldier
5 5 5 5
{Crijptolermeti)
gulosus, n. sj).
IiuaKo
Soldier
,, [Cry plot er me a) Imago
primuH, Hill
■ ) (Cryptotennefi) ,,
repentinus, n. sj).
Voptotermes reiHotus, ii. sp. . . Soldier
„ inic/iaelseHi Silv.
,, oldrahi.s, ii. ,s]>. .,
Rhinolenncfi umbraticut-, ii. .sp. ,,
Kulennes rujiroRris, n. sp. . . ,,
5 ? 55 ■ ■ ->
5 .'< 5 5 • • 5 5
yandwiends, n. sj). Imago ;
55 55 55
,, Soldier
,, kaewienyetids, n. .sp. Iimigo : 1
,, Soldier
5 5 5 5
Microcerotcrmeii hiroi (Desm) Imago :
,, umbritarsus, n. s]>. ,,
Soldier
5 5 5 5
rep uy nans, n. s[). ,,
head.
mandihlcs.
antenna.
])ronotum.
head, ])ronotum and posterior margin
of me.so- and metanotnm.
antenna, basal joints,
antenna, a])ical joints.
: head in profile.
Iiead from above.
pronotnm and i)osterior margin of
meso- and metiuiotum.
antenna,
pronotum.
])ronotnm and posterior margin of
meso- and metanotnm.
: head.
pronotum and po.sterior margin of
meso- and mefanotum.
head in ])rofile.
head from above,
antenna,
head.
pronotnm and posterior margin of
meso- and metanotum.
head in profile,
head from above,
antenna.
lead, jironotnm and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
head in jirofile.
]ironotum ami jiosterior margin of
meso- and metanotum.
head, pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
antenna,
head,
antenna.
head and pronotum.
mandibles.
antenna.
1 15
'rERMrrKs from 'phe austraman jiegion.
Fig.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
4().
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66 .
67.
68 .
69.
70.
71.
I’l.ATE II.
Leucnlermes paradoxus (Frogg.)
vnlidus (Hill)
oceiduus, ii. ,s]).
vagus, 11 . s}).
„ vcnusfus, 11 . s]).
M icroceroi ermes serratiis (Frogg.
disfincfus Silv.
van us (Hill)
5 5
55
Imago : head and jironotiim.
Soldier : head in profile.
,, head from above.
,, pronotum and posterior margin
of mesonotum.
Imago : head.
,, pronotum and posterior margin
of me.so- and metanotum.
Soldier ; a.ntenna.
,, mandible.
,, pronotum.
Imago ; head and pronotum.
,, antenna.
Soldier : antenna.
,, head.
,, antenna (14-jointed).
,, antenna (13-jointed).
Imago : head in profile.
,, antenna.
Soldier ; mandible and labrum.
„ palpus.
„ antenna.
Imago : antenna.
,, ])ronotuni and jiosterior margin
of me.so- and metanotum
(two forms).
Soldier ; head (Townsville, N.Q.).
,, heail (type locality).
,, head (Townsville, N.Q.).
„ gula.
,, antenna.
Imago : head.
,, pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
,, antenna.
,, head.
,, pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
Soldier : head (showing two forms of
antenna).
„ head (var. from Banks Is.).
,, gula (var. from Banks Is.).
72.
73.
74.
75.
MicroceroterniPs lead, n. s}>.
55
55
*' 55
7().
77.
78.
55
nervosus, ii. sp.
l’l..\TE III.
Imago : head.
„ antenna.
„ pronotum.
posterior margin of meso- and
metanotum.
Soldier ; head.
Imago ; antenna.
pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
I 116 I
TERMITES EROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
P LATK HI. -contiuved.
new)nani^ ii. sp.
gladius, n. «p.
boreus, n. sp.
J)
fug ax, n. sp.
Fig.
79. Micfoceroternies, nervo.sui^, n. sp.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86 .
87.
88 .
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100 .
101 .
102 .
103. Mirotermes hisiformis (Frogg.
taylori, n. .sp.
mendicus, n. sp.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
no.
111.
112 .
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
kme-pelini Silv.
melvillensis (Hill)
Imago
Soldier
Soldier ; head and pronotum.
„ mandibles and labruin.
„ antenna,
antenna.
pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and znetanotum.
head.
head, pronotum and gula.
,, antenna.
,, head and pronotum.
„ mandibles, labruin and antenna.
Imago : head.
„ pronotum.
,, posterior margin of meso- and
metanotum (two forms),
antenna.
head, pronotum and gula.
antenna,
head,
gula.
antenna.
pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
antenna,
mandibles,
head,
antenna.
pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
mandibles,
head.
mandibles,
antenna,
thorax.
head in profile,
head viewed obliquely.
Soldier ;
??
fj
)J
)J
Imago :
5 5
Soldier :
Imago :
53
Imago :
33
35
33
Soldier
D
viewed
■D.”
’ E.”
Imago :
35
Soldier
head, var.
obliquely,
antenna of var.
antenna of var.
head.
pronotum and posterior margin
of meso- and metanotum.
head in profile,
head from above,
labrum.
antenna.
120. Mirotermes taylori (Hill)
121. ,, froggatli {H\W)
122. ,, cheeli Mjbb.
123.
Plate IV.
Soldier : head.
„ head.
Imago : head.
,, antenna.
[ 117 1
TKKMITKS FROM TJHF AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Pi.ATio IV. continued.
lOg.
124.
M t niteniies cheeli Jlilib
Iiiiago : proriotuni ami posterior margin
12.5.
septeutriomdifi. ii. sp. , .
of meso- and metanotuin.
Soldier : head in profile.
I2t).
,,
33 ■ •
„ head from above.
127.
33 • •
,, antenna.
128.
5 5
iufrei/ueiiti, n. sp.
Imago ; thorax.
129.
5 ’
33
,, antenna.
J.30.
J >
’3
Soldier : head, pronotum and labrum.
1.31.
) ‘
,, antenna.
1.32.
’ J
fjundratu.s, n. sp.
,, head.
1.3.3.
> 5
,‘ointeri, ti. sp.
Imago : head.
1.34.
J ?
3 3
,, mandible.s (“a” left, “b” right).
13.5.
; ?
33
,, antenna.
1.36.
3 3 • •
,, pronotum and po.sterior margin
1,37.
5 >
>3
of meso- and metanotnm.
Soldier : head.
1 .38,
5 5
3 3
,. antenna.
139.
; ?
Imul'sienftis, ii. sp.
Imago ; liead.
140.
y ?
J,
,, pronotum ami posterior margin
141.
>>
of meso- and metanotuni.
,, antenna.
142.
143.
33 • •
Soldier : head viewed obliquely.
33 • •
,, antenna.
144.
>>
orhn.'i. n. sp.
Imago : jironotum and posterior margin
145.
3 3
of meso- and inetanotum.
Soldier ; head in jirofile.
146.
5 5
3 3
,, head frpm above.
147.
? ?
ncc.ultufi, Ti. sp.
Imago : Iiead.
148.
J *
3 3 • •
,, mandibles.
149.
3-1
,, thorax.
1,50.
Plate
(Udoteymes {Neoiermes) papna J)esn.
V.
Forewing.
151.
(Cryptotermefi) ytdo.'ius, n. sp. . . . . ,,
1,53.
{(rhjptotermefi) sranfhokdrrum
, n. sp. . . Wings.
155.
) 1
(Cryptotermeif) (dtripe.‘i Flolm
gr. . . . . Forewing.
157.
Etilermes yandvniensi», ii. sp.
1.59.
5>
kaeivienyensis, ii. s]>.
• • • • 53
161.
M icroceroterme.^ hiroi (Desn.)
• . . . J,
163.
; !
wiihritars'HS, ii. s);. . .
Wings.
165.
}?
froyyypti, n. sp.
Forewing.
167.
Leucotermey fero.r (Frogg.)
169.
J5
paradorm (Frogg.)
• . . . ,5
171.
; J
(dnrki Ffill
■ * • ■ 33
173.
validu.f (Hill) . .
175.
5 5
occiduus, 11. s]).
• • • • 33
177.
3 5
venu.stus, ii. sji.
• • • • 53
179.
M icroceroterme.fi serratuft (Frogg.)
Wings.
181.
3 5
dutinctus Silv.
Forewing.
f !18 1
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Plate VI.
Fig.
183. Microcefotermes nwnuft (Hill)
181). ,, leai, n. ,sj).
188. vervosufs, ri. sj).
190.
192.
194.
196.
198.
200. Mil'
202 .
204.
206.
208.
210 .
212 .
214.
215 .
„ ‘newmani, n. s]).
„ boreus, n. sp.
.. laylori, n. sp.
., mend'icus, n. sp.
otermes hi'isifonuis (Frogg.)
,, kraepelini 8ilv.
., melvilk'Hnis (Hill)
„ cheeli Mj(')l).
,, lufmjiK'Hs n. s]).
,, .mnteri, ii. sp. . .
,, h(mkfii.eiisi,s, n. sp.
,, oi'bus, n. sji.
,. occultus, n. s[).
Forewing.
Wings.
Forew ing.
Wijigs.
Forewing.
■) 5
Hind wing.
Forewing.
Plate VI 1.
218.
219.
220 .
221 .
222 .
223.
224.
4'erinitarium of M icrocerolermes nervosus, n. sp.
„ „ boren.% n. s]).
n. sj).
Miroterme.s iiielvillevsis (Hill). Bathurst Island, Northern
Territory.
MirotermeK inelvilleiidfi (Hill). Darwin, Northern 4'erritory.
MirolermeH .sviileri, n. .sp. at Base of fence post. Darwin,
Northern Territory.
Mirolermes sunferi, n. ,sp. partly on ground and partly on wall
of terniitariuin of Coptotermes acinacdformis (Frogg.).
Stapleton, Northern Territory.
Plate Vlll.
152. Cahtermes (Cryptotermes) yulusus, n. sp.
154 _ „ [Glyptotermes) xan/holahnim, n. s]>.
] 56 _ ,, (Cry plot e,rmPs) alhipes Holmgr.
158. Eiitermes ymidinieiisi.i^, n. sp.
100. „ Imewieiiyeiifiiii, n.
162. Micrncerolerwcs bi'i'oi (Desn.)
1(54^ n. s]).
166. „ fru(jfpiUi,n.
168. Leucotennes ferox (Frogg.)
170, /M/Y/dorus (Frogg.)
172. ,, darki (Hill)
174^ ,, vididus (Hill)
17fp occ.idmis, n. up.
17P_ vemislus, n. sp.
180. Microcerotermefi serratus (Trogg.)
lo.T disiinclus
\ J5
I 119 1
Wing membrane
TERMITES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN REGION.
Plate IX.
Fig.
184. Micmeerolermes (Hill) Wing meinbranp.
185.
? 5
pannceps Mjob
187.
leai, n. sp.
189.
5 5
nervosus, n. sp.
191.
5 ?
ufiivinanl, n. sp
193.
J5
imreus, n. sp.
195.
5 J
fufiax, u. sp.
197.
> ?
laylori, n. sp.
199.
J >
niendicu.‘t, n. sp
201.
Miro/fliinen
h'i-nformis ( hXogg.)
203.
? 5
l-mepelini Silv.
205.
; 5
rnelvUletmft (Hill)
207.
j ?
clieeli Mjob
209.
5?
infrerpuens, n. s]>.
211.
,,
mnteri, n. sp.
213.
5 5
hanl’siensis, n. sp.
f 120 I
ilEM. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
J’late I.
Mem. Nat. Mus., Melhoiirne, 7. Plate IT.
^Iem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
Plate III.
Mem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
CDtxd^cd
/35
Mem. Nat. Mus., Mulbourne, 7.
IN.ate V.
j()08. 9
Mem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
Plate VI.
.Mem. Nat. Mi's., Meehoukne, 7.
I’LATE VII.
zia
222
219
221
220
22S
Mem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
Plate VIII.
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V.
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774
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Mem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
Plate IX.
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TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALT) HILL.
MONOGRAPH ON THE TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD
HILL, BACCHUS MARSH, VICTORIA,
By Frexlerick' Chajmia)h, A.L.S., F.R.M.H., Palaeontohyist to the
National Mnsewin, Melboimis.
(Plates X.-XIIT. and text figure.)
I. — Introduction
II. — Previous Keference.s
III. — Description of the Plant Remains
IV. — Range, in Time of Genera and Species
V. — Geographical Relationships of the Fossils
VI. — Conclusions
VII.- -Bibliography
1. INTRODUCTION.
'Hie existence of a Triassic flora in tlie Bacclius Marsh District
was suggested and tentatively field by geologists for many years,
but the evidence luid been obscured by the confusion of two horizons.
Thus, Sir Kredk. Mct'oy was always impressed with tlie 'Priassic
aspect of the Bacchus Marsh flora as a whole ; and the earlier
mistaken view, that the “ Fchizoneura bed occurred beneath the
(Fmgamopteris sandstone of Bacchus Marsh, only added to the
difficulty.
Writing in 1892, McCoy^ said that he recognized Lower Triassic
rocks in specimens obtained by W. H. Ferguson “ from a newly
discovered bed just under the famous Gmigamopteris sandstone of
Bacchus Mar.sh,” in which he identified Schizoneura and Zevgo-
phyllites.
Apjiarently the error of inverting the relative positions of these
two beds arose through a slip in draiving the preliminary sketch,
though Mr. Ferguson correctly represents in sketch-section Xo. 1,
sent to the National Museum on 29th July, 1891, the (FinganiopterF
beds underlying the adjacent rocks that contain the ScJuzoneura
flora (see text-fig. pi. 128).
In some notes on glacial de[)osits of Bacchus Marsh, Messi's.
OHicer and Balfour^ refer to xMcCoy's determination of Schizoneura
and Ftilophyllum from this locality, and state They all come from
the Sehizoneti'm bed a thin clayey band about 4 inches in width.
TTe horizon is appareiitly above that of the Ganyamopteris beds.
1 McCoy, F. 1892, p. 30. (Fill! references are given at tlie end of tliis work.)
2 Officer and Balfour 1894-, p. 143.
I 121 ]
TIUASSTC KLOKA OF BALD HIBL.
Since tliese references to a Triassic flora were made, 1 aemoptens
Sweeti has been discovered, and the present writer has reviewed this
and other forms of the flora in later papers, notes on winch are made
in the next section, on the literature.
Ouite lately other fossils have been collected by Mr. F. A
Simdeton, uA, and myself. These, together with the ori^nal
exainples collected by Mr. Ferguson in 18^1 many of which ^lav"
never been referred to, seem to fairly establish the claims of this
interesting bed as a re|)resentative of the Triassic system m
Victoria. i • •
The classic section in which these plant remains are found is in
a trench in the (’oiincil Paddock at Bald Hill ; and it may be useful
for future collectors to refer to the a])])ended notes, which were made
by Mr. Singleton and myself, of the exposed beds. It may be
remarked that Messrs. Officer and Balfour gave details only slightly
differing from those now furnished, in their jiaper on the Bacchus
Marsh glacial beds.^
(Ienerali/ed Section seen in the
Paddock, Bald Hill, .Pcly,
(Mapman).^
Trench at the Cocnctl
1919. (Singleton and
Bed.
8. Sandy shale . - ■ • • • _ _ • •
7. Pebbly conglomerate, grits and chert, with ferru-
ginous cement (circ.)
6. Plant remains in fine siliceous sandy shale ^ _. .
.0. Friable, curient-bedded sandy shales with seiicite
4^ Shaley siliceous mudstone wdth ])lant remains . .
3. ( ’urrent-bedded sandy shales . .
2. Parting, with pebbles
1. Current-bedded sandy shale (circ.)
ft.
9
1
0
0
0
4
0
10
in.
0
6
5
8
6
0
1
0
Base of trench.
ir PREVIOUS REFERENCES TO THE
BALD HILL.
LATER FLORA
OF
Ferguson, W. H., 1891.'- -This was the first notice by the
discoverer, Mr. Ferguson of the Ceological tSiirvey of Victoria,
of the higher horizon wdth plants, at Bald Hill. The desciiption
runs as follows : “ At the Bald Hill a shallow^ cpiarry has been
excavated aiong the crest of a ridge for about 150 yards ; a bed of
very fine-grained siliceous sandstone outcrops here, and in it are
numerous fossils new' to the Bacchus Marsh Sandstones. They
are c[uite distinct from the fossil fern, (janfimnofteris, which up^to
tdie present wais the only fossil jilant found in the for mation. I he
'1 Furthl'^somaraphic noi.mients on this section will be nnulc in u purer to l,c publushcd by Mr.
r. A. singleton, who will deal with the relationsliips of tlie liods nt this loealitr.
') Ferguson. W. H., 1891. |*p. 31-32.
1 122 ]
TEIASSIC FLOEA OF BALD HILL.
fossils are generally casts, but are occasionally preserved as a film
of carbon. The layer that contains the fossils thins out and thickens
most capriciously, and is replaced by a conglomerate, which consists
of an ironstone matrix thickly studded with small quartz jiebbles,
and differs in general appearance from the glacial conglomerate of
the district. The new fossils have been sent to Jhofessor McCoy
for identification. The deposit is covered by Miocene sands and
ironstone layers containing dicotyledonous leaves. The fossil iferous
siliceous sandstone rests on 10 feet of ironstone conglomerate, and
below the conglomerate in sandy and earthy layers, stained by
oxifle of iron, fossil leaves resembling (kvhAjanio'pteris may be obtained
and also pieces of wood. About 300 yards to the north of this
cj^uarry showing the siliceous rock, a quarry has been opened up in
massive sandstone. This foundation lies between glacial con-
glomerate and yields various sjiecies of (km(i(i'ino]iteris.’’
Feegilson, W. H., 1891. A manuscript report (in the Xational
Museum), not hitherto published, was forAvarded by A. W. HoAvitt,
Secretary for Mines, to McCoy on 29th July, 1891. These are
notes to accompany a box of fossils from Bacchus Marsh, sent to
Professor McCoy : —
Leaves •►x (roestone
CO
Fine St Hr Uviert, niAq
uj'irh»X'^C»'OU.S
fossU leaves .
BdccNos ,
hortC- (Or
Q,i^a.rric<< far~ ’
' b-u. 1 1
07
O Qua-r-rv/_q /
, :
! 1 r oA'i Fqne ••
lof-t
, we 'Pro denied .
/
- - — - -AT]
tieds vs/iFV^ |-oss<lS
resa.tM.tWne b »-e
ftnv Ie»v2s -k-
—
possil icjxves
|-0SS»l
— -- -= =
soft j
— —
- ■
/
—
'TK ire bedded
A - — —
1
^ec-Fiorc \
=_
1 . '
•
Sketch-section by W. H. Ferguson, 29.7.91, at Hakl Hill. Fossils obtained
in small quarry on hillside. Scale 20ft. to lin. reduced
* Probably the Ptilophullnm
\ 123 1
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD HILL.
“ At section No. 1, showing fine silt layers resting on ironstone
conglomerate, there were obtained 35 samples of white, grey, and
yellow very fine-grained sandstone containing numerous plant
impressions'. Small specimen in siliceous stone resembling rootlets
and marked unique was the only one of that kind found, f )f specimen
No. 1, an eight-rayed fossil, the Department possesses a duplicate.
Five sjiecimens, four of leaves and one of wood, marked fossil leaves,
in earthy, sandy ironstone layers '20 to 30 feet below silt layers
were found in beds indicated by red lines on section.
At section No. 2 the fossil fern leaves, in grey sandstone, marked
Numbers 4, 5, 6, were found as indicated by an arrow on the section.
Th especiniens of fossil leaves, casts of fruits or seeds and sample
of wood, all in ironstone, were collected at two localities, some on
the N.E. bank of the Werribee River about' 2 miles below the
(Jorge, others on a hill 200 yards west from bridge where Ballan-
road crosses the Koi'ku])errimal or Lvall s Creek, and about 2
miles from Bacchus Marsh Township.'’ ' (N.B. The latter reference
relates to Tertiary plant remains. F.C.).
McCoy, F., 1892." That author places on record his dis-
covery of SehizoHeufci and Zeitfjojj/iyllUes in the collection obtained
in 1891 by W. 11. Ferguson. An error is made here in placing the
newly discovered bed “ just under the (Jangamopteris sandstone,
which misled McCoy to correlate both series with the Trias.
(Officer, (J., and Balfour, L., 1894.’- In describing the
glacial deposits of Bacchus Marsh, they refer to Schizoneura and
another genus, Pfilu])hyUum (P. Officeri) McCoy. Sir Fredk. McCoy s
description of the latter species is included in this paper.
Etheridge, R., Jun., 1894.*- Referring to Sir F. McCoy's
determination of Schizo‘}t.eura, as recorded in the Ann. Rep. Secy,
for Mines, 1891, he remarks It will be observed that the
specimens are spoken of as comminuted ’ In this paper Etheridge
describes Schizone'ura australis, sp. nov., occurring between the
Upper Coal Measures and the Hawkesbury Sandstone.
David, T. W. E., 1896.®- -In this paper the two beds at Bald
Hill are mentioned as follows Well preserved plant remains
are present on at least two horizons ; on the lower horizon occur
the three species of Ganganwpteris already referred to, and on the
higher, specimens of ZeugofkyUites, ScMzoneura, &c. The total
thickness of the glacial beds seen in the upper portion of Korkuperri-
nial Creek, as measured last December, proved to be 1,427 feet. To
this, Mr. Brittlebank esthnates a thickness of about 700 feet of
strata should be added, to carry the section from the top of the
Ganganw'pteris beds to the top of the strata seen above the ScJiizoneura
horizon.”
6 McCoy, 1’., 1802, p. 30.
7 Officer, G., and Balfour, L., 1-894, p. 143.
,s Htheridge, 11. jun., 1894, p. 32 33.
9 David, T. W. E., 1896, p. 298.
! 124 I
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD HILL.
McCoy, F., 1898.^° — A new species of Taeniopteris {T. Stveeti)
is described from the upper beds at Bald Hill. Tn the original
description McCoy states this fossil to come from the Ganganiopteris
Sandstones at Bald Hill, whereas by the matrix it is seen to belong
to the Schizoneura bed.
Arber, E. A. N., 1905.^^ A reference is given to '‘Taeniopteris
sp. (from Victoria),” the author stating that- “ This genus occurs
rarely with Gangamopteris in the Bacchus Marsh Sandstones of
Victoria.” He also regards the specimen as “too fragmentary
to permit of an accurate specific diagnosis.” The genus was thought
only so far to have occurred once, but whilst examining the late
Mr. Geo. Sweet’s collection, donated to the National Museum by
his daughter, Dr. G. Sweet, several fragmentary specimens were
found. This fossil does not occur with Gangamopteris, as Newell
Arber thought, and the original type, as well as some of the other
fragments, is in good condition.
Chapman, F., 1914.^^ — The author transfers the genus Zeugo-
phgllites to Phoenicopsis and mentions the occurrence of Taeniopteris
(^Macrotaeniopteris) in the ipiper beds of Bald Hill.
Chapman, F., 1919.^® -Taeniopteris Pweeti is referred to.
T. [Ma>cyrotaeniopteris) wianamaUae h’eistmantel, and Ptilophgllum
Officeri McCoy is identified with Ptilophgllu'm oligoneurmn T. Woods,
now a synonym of Ptilopliylhmi {WiJliamsonia.) pecten Phillips sp.^*
111.— DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT REMAINS.
Series PTERIDOPHYTA.
Class— EQUISETALES.
Genus- Phyllotheca, Brongniart, 1828.
Phyllotheca indica Bunbury.
Plate X., figs. 4, 6, 9. Plate XI., fig. 15.
Phyllotheca indica Bunbury, 1861, ()uart. lourn. Geol. Soc., vol.
XVII., p. 335, pi. X'., figs. 6-9. Schirnper, 1869, Trade de
Paleont. Veg., vol. 1., p. 289. Feistmantel, 1876, Journ.
Asiatic Soc., Bengal, vol. LXV., pt. 2, p. 346. Idem, 1880,
Mem. Geol. Surv., India- Pal. Indica, ser. XII. Flora of the
Gondwana System, vol. HI., pts. 2 and 3, p. 67, pi. XI Ia., figs.
3-9. Oldham, 1893, Manual Geol., India, pi. opp. p. 162.
Seward, 1898, Fossil Plants, Cambridge Univ. Press, vol. 1., p.
287, fig. 680. Arber, 1905, Cat. Foss. Plants, Brit. Mus., “ The
Glossopteris Flora,” ]). 20, text-fig. 6.
10 McCoy, F„ ISas, p. 285.
1] Arber, E. A. X., 1905, p. 128.
12 Chapman, 1’., 19H, p. 68.
13 Chapman, 1’., 1919, pp. 149-50.
14 AValkom, A. B. 1917, p. 14.
[ 125 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) HILL.
Obsef vat ions. - l^lie plaiit-steins in the present series, referred to
Phijllotheca indica, have the characteristic short internodes seen in
the Raniganj fossil remains. The slender filamentous leaves found
attached, or in close association with the stems, show their relation-
ship to the ahove s])ecies rather than to P. au,s'tra/is, which has the
leaf-whorls more closely adherent to the stem. This conclusion is
further supported by the form of the interjiodes, which tend to
widen distally and also bear strong, linear, superficial grooves. The
stem in one example (fig. 4) consists of about eight segments, whilst
the other (fig. 15) has seven ; it is slender and closely comparable
with some of l^Tistmantel s figures of this species.
Di'mensions of the Yictonan Spectweas. — The stem here figured
(fig. 4) measures at its widest j)art about 2 ■ 3mm. ; the second
specimen (fig. 15) has a stem diameter of only l‘5mm.^ Indian
s])eciniens figured by Feistmantel measure from 2 '5 to 5mm. in
diameter. As a contra-comparison, a ty])ical e.xani])le of Phijllotheca
australis in the Xational Museum collection has a stem-diameter of
14mm.
Leaves.- Although com])lete leaf- whorls have not been ])reserved
in the jiresent instances, the ocwasional leaves are similar to those
of P. ittdiea, both in sha])e and habit. 44ie leaves are of moderate
length, acicidate, and are bent outward or upward from their point
of attachment, and often strongly recurved near the extremity.
Rhizowata u ith Tubers. — Portions of straight or flexuous rhizomes,
bearing sac-like bodies appended by a filamentous attachment, are
not uncommon on some of the slabs of cream-coloured, porcellanous
mudstone from the trench on .Bald Hill, two of which are figured
(figs. 6 and 9). The coarse sclerenchymatous texture of the rhizome
is shown in strong relief, whilst the attaching filaments and tubers
are of a more tenuous structure. The latter are represented by a
thin imj)ression or mere stain on the rock. T liese sac-like bodies
are not so well-rounded as in moderJi Eqiusetaceae, or the fossil
Equisetit.es figured elsewhere.'® This irregular form of the tubers
may therefore be ])eculiar to the allied genus Phjllotheca , to which,
up to the present, no rhizomes or tubers seem to have been assigned.
Since these tubers are here associated in the same horizon and on
the same slabs, their probable relationship to P. indica seems to be
fairly strong.
Eodal Diaphrajms. In fig. 15 can be seen two nodal diaphragms,
and since they are dis])osed at right angles to the surface of the
stem-nodes, seem to point to their having been the nodal attachment
of branches ; otherwise to account for their present position on the
stem would necessitate their displacement to a plane at right angles
to their original position, and this could hardly have taken place
If) See E. Bnn-hurdU Danker, figured by C. Hewartl, 1898. p. 279. fig. (55 ; or E. i,ol'oh(imne
Sewiird, ibid, j>. 280, flg. 00. Also E. Kontlitim/ieiixin nuipmim, 1912, pi. XII., fig. 1.
[ 126 ]
TRIAS, SIC FLORA OF BALT) HILL.
witlioiit a great amount of distortion in tlie stem. These nodal
diaphragms, although small, are not comparable in detailed structure
with x\rber’s New Zealand sy)ecies, Phyllotheca nmmta,^^ unless it
could be ])roved that these a])parent nodes of the branches differed
from the nodes of the stem, to which x4rber's figured specimens seem
to belong.
Distfihulwn. Phyllotheca bidica Bunbury, has not before been
recorded from Australian rocks. It is found in India in the Raniganj
sub-stage of the Daniuda stage (Upper series of Lower (fondwana).
Divisions of the Lower Gondwana (for reference above) — -
Stage
Stage
Daniuda
Talchir
• Ironstone Shales
[Barakar
\ Karharbari
( Talchir proper.
Phyllotheca australis Brongniart.
(Plate XI., fig. 16.)
Phyllotheca australis Brongniart, 1828, Prodr. LTist. Veget. Foss.,
p. 152. McCoy, 1847, x4n,u. Mag. fshit. Hist., vol. XX., p. 156.
Phyllolheca ramosa McCoy, 1847, ibid., ]). 156, pi. XL, figs. 2, 3.
Phyllotheca Hooker i McCoy, 1847, ibid., p. 157. ])1. XI., figs. 4-6.
Phyllotheca concinna T. M^oods, 1883, Proc. Linn. Soc. X.S. W ales,
vol. VI IL, pt. 1., p. 75. pi. IX., fig. 2.
Phyllotheca australis Brongn., Feistmantel, 1890, Mem Geol. Surv.,
N.S. Wales, Pal. No. 3, p. 79, pi. XIV., figs. 2-5. Arber, 1905,
Cat. Foss. Plants, Brit. Mus. — The Glossopteris Flora, p. 17,
pi. IL, figs. 6-8. Walkom, 1915, Queensland Geol. Surv., Publ.
No. 252, “ Mesozoic Floras of Queensland," pt. L, p. 32, pi. 1.,
fig. 5,^^ WAlkom, 1925, Paper, T., Proc. Boy. Soc. Tas. for
1924, p. 74.
Observations. - From an examination of the type specimen in the
xMuseum of the Geological Society of London, Prof. A. C. SewanP®
was of the opinion that it is impossible to distinguish between P.
indica and P. australis. So far as the present writer has been able to
judge, from the Australian. exam])les and from the fuller drawings
by Feistmantel of Phyllotheca indica, there are some notable points
of difference between the two species, which were also remarked
upon by Newell Arber.
Ki Newc'll Arlicr, lillT. p. 2". |il. U., Hgs. fi and S).
J7 l''or more comidele synonymy, see Ardicr. 190S, |i. 17.
18 Seward, 1898, p. 288.
19 Arber, 190,5, j). 21.
1 127 ]
IG08. -10
TEIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) HILL.
The almost perfect leaf-sheath here figured (fig. 16) shows its
cliaracteristic contracted form. It can be matched with a stem of
equal diameter in. the National Museum collection, having the whorls
in position, and which was obtained from the uppermost coal seams
at Newcastle, New Soutli Wales.
The figured sjiecimen referred by Dr. Walkoni to this s])ecies,
from the Ipswich Series (Trias.), of Denmark Hill, Ipswich, Queens-
land, has more distinctly separate leaves than usual ; their shortness
and nan'omiess makes them referable to Phi/Uotliem rather than to
NeAjmkrmiteff, as Walkom has remarked.
Phyllofheca cmiertma T. Woods, from the Hawkesbury Sandstone
of Sugarloaf Hill, New South Wales, represents a probable joint with
indications of leaf-sheaths, and not unlike the specimen here fiyured
(fig. 16).
Dmieii'SKms. The leaf-whorl, as preserved in the Bacchus Marsh
specimens, has a maximum diameter of 26mm., whilst the lieight of
the whorl, that is, the length of the longest leaves, is 35mm.
Distribution. Plnjllutheca australis is confined to Australia and
lasmauia. It is commonest in the Middle and Uj)per Coal Measures
(Permian) of New South Wales, but is occasionally found in the
1 riassic. ^ I he Ipswich Series, in (fiieensland, of similar age, contains
this species, as recorded by Dr. Walkoni ; and there is a sjiecimen
from Brisbane in the National Museum. Feistmantel recorded
Phijllotheca australis from the Mersey Coal-field and the Jerusalem
Basin of Tasmania.^”
^ The record of Phyllothpea australis in the Progress Kejjort
(No. III.) of the A ictorian Ceological Surv'ev, p. 60, as occurring
in the .lurassic of Cape Patterson, a,|)))ears to be open to some doubt.
The specimen has not been found in the collection of the National
Museum ; there is, ho-wever, an example from the Albeit River,
Cippsland. labelled by McCoy as P. australis, but this identification
seems open to question, as only the denuded stem is seen, with
traces of joints, and might more justifiably be referred to Equisrtites
which is not uncommon in those beds. The Cippsland Coal-measures,
have generally been acTejited as the equivalent of the upper Mesozoic
of (fiieeiLsland (Walloon Series), but there are a few interesting
occurrences of exceptional plant species which may, wdth further
study, jirove the existence of a Triassic flora as w^ell, and wdiich,
from the already kmnvn evidence, must be the case in Tasmania.
The w'orking out of the exact succession of floras, in both areas
is much to be desired. That for Tasmania has already been com-
menced by Dr. Walkom, wJio has recentlv published a paper ou
J5ismanian Mesozoic Plants, and the 'writer, in collaboration
wnth Miss I. (Mokson, hopes shortiv to undertake the descritition
of the Victorian Mesozoic Flora.
20 Feistmantel, 1890. pp. 59-60.
21 Walkom, 1925.
[ 128 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD HILL.
(JemiS' -ScHizoNFFRA, 8c]iini{)er and Miigeot, 1844.
Hchizoneura microphylla s]). nov.
Plate X., tios. 1-3, 5, 7, 8, 10-12. Idate XL, 13, 14, 17, 18.
Plate X 1 1 ., fto-. 35. Plate X 1 1 1 ., figs. 43, 48.
Description - Steins long, straight, moderately slender ; surface
fluted ; pith-casts strongly grooved. Jointed at distant intervals.
Leaflets apparently forming a loose sheath and numbering about
7 to 10, small, acicnlate or pointed ovate, sometimes with blunt
apices and traces of fission. Bases of leaves inserted in depressions
at the nodes. Nodal diaphragms present, resembling those of
Equisetites, but radially grooved to the centre. Vestiges of
diaphragms seen attached to the stems in the fossils, jirobably
representing in some cases the junction of branches.
Evidence of Fruitinfj Cone.- In 1003 Mr. 11. Ktheridge, jun.,
figures a specimen of Echizoneura from the Ppper Coal Measures of
New South Wales, having on the end of the leaf-bearing axis
two strobils, 2 to 2 '5 cm. long. As Newell Arber remarks,"'^®
“ the ])reservation is not sufficiently good to afford any details
as to the morphological structure of the cone.”
In this present instance we are more fortunate, since the smlace
of the cone is beautifully preserved, showing a polygonal cellular
strmture, probably the bases of sporo])hylls, which ap|)arently
having shrunken, have been resolvecl into a series of subangulate
areas, each with a central pit. To the sides of the fruit are attached
sharply pointed uninerved, bracteate sporophylls, and these were
in all' probability disposed over the surface and ivere detached
before fossilization. The grooved pith-cast of the stem to wdiich
the fruit is joined, leaves no doubt as to the relationship of this
cone to Echizoneura microphyUa. This cone measures 6mm. in
length : the width of the base of the body of the fruit being 2nnn.,
whilst the total width of the cone with the bracts measures 7. 5 mm.
Leaves.— T \\q leaflets of the whorl are seen in figs. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8,
11, 12, 13 and 17. In figs. 1, 3, 8, 11 and 12 they are slender,
aciculate to acutely pointed, or calamitean , whilst in 13 and 1 1
they are distinctly truncated. It is quite possible, however, that
these latter may eventually be proved to belong to another species,
especially since the venation is more distinctly parallel than in
the other aciculate forms. The probable number of leaflets to
the whorl in this species is about 5. In fig. 17 the nodal diaphragm
forms an interesting feature betiveen the only two leaves of the
whorl preserved. Figs. 2 and 14 evidently represent the a ctual
Etheridge, B.. jun., 1903, p. 234, pis. XlWlil. and XLTX.
23 Arber, igo.l, jn 9.
[ J
TKIASSIO KLOKA OK BALI) HII.L.
surl.ace impression of the stem, as the flutings are not deeply im-
pressed ; in (iy. 2 the starlike a,ppearanee in tlie middle of the fossil
may indicate the erackim; of tlie eoitex by pressure taking place
over a newly forming branch.
Xodal Pia phrafinis.- That seen in fig. 5 is so like the form in
IdfmseUtes that one might pause before referring it to Xchizouevra,
of which there have apparently been as yet no records in the jiresent
assemblage. Hnt the discovery of other Schizoueura stems with
the nodal diaphi'agms more or less in position, makes their reference
to this genus certain. In Hchizoneura the radii of the diaphragm
are })erha,])s less numerous than in Equis^etites, but the central papilla
is well developed as in that genus as would be ex])ected from their
similarity iu geueral structure.
l)i)Neituslor.,s-
Diameter of widest stem, 7 '5 mm.
Diametei' ol an average stem, circ, b mm.
Longest stem-fragment preserved. 10 '5 cm.
.Vn a-ciculate leaf measures 1!) mm. by 2 '5 mm. at the base.
luternodes often seven times the width of the stem.
Ohservatioiks.- The stems of the above s})ecies of Schizoneura,
as they are |)reserved in the Jlacchus Marsh silic'eous mudstones,
are conspicuously sti’aight, and distinctly and deeply grooved in
the pithcasts, or with parallel sulcations wlien the surface impi'ession
is represented. ’^Phe nodes are very distant and not always (‘learly
visible. It was undoiditedly the character of the straight and
conspicuously grooved stems with distant nodes that led McC'oy
to place these plant remains, apparently without hesitation, in the
genus Evlnzoncura , for the leal remains associated with these stems
are veiy indistinct. It was only by caiefullv scanning everv piece
of material with a. lens, that the fi'agmentarv evidence here hgured
was obtained.
.\s regards the narrow, straight, and deeplv grooved stems with
mconspicuous leaf-sheaths, these structural '('llaracters find their
ueaiest rehitionship with the smaller foliaiceous varieties of
l>chizon>euT(t . like S. iiiendn-i Schimper, of the Keu])er of Stuttgart.
Coni pa.n, sou, s.- Species like Sehizouevm (/oudirauousis, h’eist-
mantel, S. aiostrahs Etheridge, jnr.^^ and S. afrimua, Eeistmantel,
have the leal-sheath typically developed from a basal sheath into
a^ pair of large ol)long-ovate leaves, with occasional sheaths with
narrow leaflets. I hese leaflets may numbei', as in S. i/oitid ivdueusis,
as many as ten. In the [)resent species one of the distinctive
characters is the apparently uniform, aciculate. leaf-like whoil. the
24 In passing it may 1 h* puintiul out
{toiH supra cit.), regards 5. ati,stralis Eth. jnii. as
tli.it \ewell Alber. in his Glossopteris Flora, pp. r> and
a synonym of .S', ijondivanensis
1 130 J
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) HILL.
separate components of which amount to about five. It would
be unsafe to assume that the large paired ovate leaves did not exist
in this form, but no evidence is seen in the ])resent series, whilst
the leaflets are comparativelv abundant.
It is just |)()ssible that the specimens figured l)v Keistmantel
as Schizoneiira (loHdv'anetms^'' from the Damuda Series, and
associated with a flora of Triassic affinities represent an undescribed
form and more nearly related to the above. S', niwrophi/lla. In
these figures the leaf whorls are shown to be more irregularly divided
into several linear or wedge-shaped leaves, which ai‘e characderistically
split at the apex. A comparison of this form with hgs, 1, d, and 7
of the ])resent series shows a close resemblance where the leaflets
of the latter are obtuse, or with a slight cleavage.
Class FILICALES.
Kam.- Cyathaceae,
(lenus — CoNiORTERis, Brongluart, 1849.
CoNIORTERIS HELIOATULA Shirley sp.
(Plate XL, figs. 24, 28.)
Coniopterifi deUmtula Shirley.
Coniopteris delicatula Shirley. 1898, ()ueens!and (!eol. Surv. Bull.
7, p. 18, pi. X., fig. 1.
Tripln/llopteris hofrpoides Shirley, 1898, ibid., p. 20, pi. XVII., fig. 1.
Coihiopteris delicMula Shirley sp., Walkom, 1917, t)ueensland (Jeol.
Surv. (Dept. Mines), Piibl. Xo. 257, pt. I. continued (Filicales),
]). 6, [)1. IV., fig. 2 ; text fig. 3.
()bserv(dions. -The flexibility of the rachis and the almost ragged
tips of the ])innules would preclude a reference of the above figured
specimens to Shirley's H^phenopteris superba,^^ to which it otherwise
bears some resemblance. It is difficult indeed to separate the two
(i^enera on mere fragments, for the same type of venation occurs in
both. The balance of evidence, however, seems in favour of a
reference to Coniopteris because of the less rigid character above
noted. Figure 28 re])resents the a])ical [lart of a {linnule with both
acuminate anil blunted tips to the lobes. Figure 24 has the bases
of the pinnules e.xjianded, and they are not .so deeply incised as in
Walkom’s figure 2 on plate X. ; but this may be the result of des-
sication before fossilization.
Distribution. Comopteris delicatula was known only from the
Ipswich Series (Trias.) of Shorncliffe, Sandgate, Queensland
25 Foistmanti'I, 11^79. p. 9, pi. Hi-'s. 2 ar.d :i.
2ti Shirley. 1898, p. IS, pi. JV.. fis. 8.
I 131 1
TRIASSIC! FLORA OF 15ALO JIILL.
Kam. Thinnfeldieae Walkom, 11)] 7.
(iemis- Thinnfeldia EttinashaiLsen, 18o2.
TtriNNLFLOiA Feistmantellt Jolinstoj)..
(I‘late XI I., fig. 30).
Tlivnnfeklia Feistniantelli Jolinston, 1805, Proo. Poy. Soc. Tasmania
figs. 2, 16.
71nnnfeldin od onto pt era ides, var. triandnlata Sliivley, 1808, (Queens-
land (leol. Surv., Pull, 7, ]). 22, pi. X., fig. 2.
TJi I'H/nfeldia odontopferoldes, var. norinalis Sliirlev, 1808, ibid., p. 21.
pi. XI.
Thinnfeldia odon.topteroides, var. rJnteJiidis Hliirley, 1808, ibid., ]). 21.
TJrinnfeldia odonto pferoid.es (j)ars.) Seward, 1010, Fossil Plants,
vol. II., p. 538, fig. .356 (A, P, D), 357.
Dicnndi.mn Feistmanfel i .lolmston s])., (fotlian, 1012, Abliandl.
Xaturli. (iesellseli. Xiirnberg, vol. XIX., heft 3, p. 78, pi. XVL,
fig. 1. Antevs, 1013, K. Svensk. Vetenskaps Akad., Plandl.,
vol. L., Xo. 5, |). 3, pi. I., figs. 1 7. Idem, 1014, ibid., vol. LI.,
Xo. 6, p. 52, [)1. 1., figs. 5, 6 ; pi. fig. 1.
Thinnfeldia Feisfnianfeli (iothaii sp., Arber, 1017, X"ew Zealand (leol.
Surv., Falaeont. Pull., Xo. 6, p. 40, j)l. V., fi.g. 4.
Thinnfeldia Feisfmanieli .lolmston, Walkom, 1025, Papers and Proc.
Hoy. Soe., Tasmania for 1024, p. 77, fig. 4.
Ohserralion.s.— In, the absence of the distinctive feature of the
branching iPachis of the frond, the above determination may be
regarded as somewhat provisional : but the rhombic form of the
pinnules and thickened rachis j)oints, however, in. the direction of the
above species. The form of the i)innules and the odontopteroid
venatioJi compare very closely with specijnen.s from the Trias of
Leigh's Preek Coalfield, South Australia.
The figui'cd specimen was collected by the late Dr. T. S. Hall, and
is now in the Xational Museum.
Distribution Mesozoic : Tasmania. Ipswich Series (Triassic) and
Walloon Series (Jurassic) of (Queensland. Trias., South Australia.
Phaetic : Argentine aiul New Zealand.
Thiknfeldia lancifolia Morris sp.
(Plate XL, figs. 20, 21).
Vecopteris odontopteroides, var. lancifclia Morris, 1845, in Strze-
lecki's Physical Description of X'ew South Wales, p. 240 pi Y1
4. ■
f 132 1
TRIASSIC! FLORA OF BALD HILJ..
Thinnfeldia 'media T. Woods, 1883, Proc. Linn. Soc., N. 8. Wales,
pi. VT., %. 1.
Thinujeldia odontoy ter aides Morris S])., var. falcata, T. Woods, 1883,
ibid., pi. VIII., % 1.
TJdnnfeldia odonto pteroides Morris, sp. var. superha, ,)olinston, 1885,
Papers and Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasmania, p. 372.
TJiimifeldia media 3'. Woods, Johnston, 1888, (leol. Tasmania, pi.
XXIV., fig. 5.
Pecopteris {ThinnfMia) odontopteris Morris, Johnston, 1888, ibid.,
])1. XXV., figs. 1, 2, 4.
Thinnfeldia superha Johnston, 1888, ibid., pi. XXVI., figs. 4, 5.
Thinnfeldia lancifolia Morris sp., Szajnocha, 1888, Hitznngsb. d.
A lead. Wiss. Wien, voL, XCVll., p. 231, pi. 1., figs. 4n, 5-7.
Thinnfeldia odonto pteroides Morris sp. (pars), Feistmantel, 1890,
Mem. Oeol. 8nrv. N.8. Wales, Palaeontology, No. 3, pi. XXIX.,
fig. 4 ('0-
Thin,nfeldia odonto pteroides Morris sp. var., Etheridge jnr., 1892,
(ieol. and Palaeont., (Jneensland, pi. XVII., fig. 7.
Thinnfeldia media T. Woods, Etheridge jnr., 1892, ibid., pi. XVII 1.,
fig. 10.
Thinnfeldia Imftoni Johnston, 1896, Papers and Proc. Roy. 8oc.
Tasmania for 1894-5, p. 61, fig. 18.
Thinmfeldia inxlica Feistmantel, var. aquilina, Shirley, 1898, ()neens-
land (Ieol. Snrv., Bull. No. 7, p. 21, pi. VI., fig. 2.
Thinnfeldia indica Feistm. var. media, Shirley, 1898, ibid., pi. \5,
fig. 1.
Thinmfeldia odontopteroides Morris sp. (pars.). Dun, 1909, Rec.
(ieol. Snrv. N.k Wales, vol. VII I., p. 314, pi. XLIX., fig. 1.
Dicroidinrn lane, folia Morris sp., Dothan, 1912, Abhandl, Naturh.
(Jesellschaft Nnrnberg, vol. XIX., p. 78, pi. XVI., figs. 2-4.
Thinnfeldia kmedfolia Morris s|)., Arber, 1913, Proc. Roy. Soc. Bond.,
Ser. B., vol. LXXXVI., p. 346, pi. \III., lig. 7.
Dicroidvum laneifolimn Morris sp., Autevs, 1914, K.Svenska Vet.
Akad. Hand!., vol. LI., No. 6, ]). 58, pl. V., figs. 6, 7.
Thinnfeldia lancifolia Mori'is sp., Walkom, 1917, (Queensland (ieol.
Snrv. Pnbl. No. 257, p. 21, pl. HE, fig. 3 ; pl. IV., fig. 1 ; pl.
VII. fio-. 2 ; text-fig. 6. Arber, 1917, New Zealand (ieol. Surv.
Palaeont., Bull. No. 6, p. 49, pl. \ .,figs. 1, 2, 6. Walkom, 1925,
Papers and Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasmania for 1924, p. 78.
[ 133 ]
'I'RIASSIC FLORA OF RALI) JOLL.
()l)srrr(iti(ms. 'Hie piuuiiles liere floured are (|uite typical as
compared witli tliose seeii iu the median part of the frond of
7. I((nnif()l Id. 'Phe distinct and cliaracteristic tnidrib forks and dies
out helore reacliinp' the a|)ex. d he al)sen.ce of the incurvation of
the upper maroin. ot tlie pinnule near the f)ase precludes its reference
to T. ivdica Feistmantel.
Dihirihiit.ion. Found in both the Trias (Jpswidi (Series) and the
Jurassic (Walloon, iSeries) iu Queensland, Mesozoic of Tasmaida.
d he Khaetic of New Zealand and the Argentine.
d’illNNFF^LDIA ODONTOPTEROIDES Morris sp.
(Plate XL, fig. 19.)
Pecopteris odontopfewides Morris, 1845, in Sti’zelecki's Descriptioii, of
New South Wales, p. 249, figs. 2 and J. (,’arruthers, 1872,
Lhiart. Journ. (leol. ,Soc., vol. NXYll., p. .‘355, i)l. XXVII
figs. 2, :i.
Tlnndfrldm ohtiisifolia (pars.) Johnstoji, 1888, (ienl. dasmania, i)l.
XXV., figs. 7, J4 ; pi. XXVI., figs. 21, (Q 7, (?) 15.
Tlnnu.fehliu odoiitopferoides Morris sp., Feistmantel, 1890, Mem.
(ieol. Surv. N. S. Wales, Palaeontology, No. J, pi. XXVI., fig. 2 ;
pi. XX^ III., fig. 8 ; pi. XXIX., figs. 1, 2, o, 5. Ktheridge, jnr.,
1892, (Jeol. and Pah. (Queensland, pi. X^AI., fig. 1. Dun., 1909,
Hec. (Jeol. Surv. N.S. Wddes, vol. VIIL, pi. XLIX., fig. 2.
Seward, 1910, Fossil Plants, vol. II., ]). 5.‘38, fig. J358.
I'lcro'kiimii odoiito/j/eroides Morris s])., (Jothan 1912, Abhandl,
Naturh. (JesellscJi. Nurnberg, vol. XI. heft J3, p. 78, ]4. XVI.’
iig. 5. Antevs, 1914, K. Svenska Vetenskaps Hand!., vol. LI.’
No. (5, p. 55, pi. 11., figs. 2, :3 ; pi. IV., figs, (i, 7.
Thhmfeldla odo)if()jiieroid"..s Morris sp., Walkom, 1917, Queensland,
(Jeol. Surv. Publ. No. 257, p. 19, pi. 111., fig. 1. Arber, 1917,’
New Zealand (Jeol. Surv. Palaeont. Bull. No. 6, j). 50. Walkom’
1925, Papers and Proc. Roy. Soc. dasmania for 1924, p. 78,
fig. 5.
ObserraftoH'H. ddie ])innules here figui'ed, r'epi'eHen,tin.g as they do
the typical oval and bluntly pointed shape seen usually in
T. odoiifopU-roides, is referred to that species, ddie venation is
aletho[)fei'oid rather than odontopteroid as in most of the examjiles
of 7'. odoi/fopfemides. .\rber-^ remarks, however, “ nerves all
arising directly from the rachis, and spreading throughout the lamina
with di(4iotomy, or a more or less welLmailced median nerve may
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD HILL.
be present, giving oii forked lateral nerves at an acute angle.”
Thus, according to that author, both types of venation niav be
|)resent.
l)isfril>ution. Ipswich aud Walloon Series of (hieensland (d’rias
and durassic). Hawkesbury Sandstone and Wdanamatta Shales
of New South Wales; also at Dubbo, New South Wales; Leigh's
(Veek, South Australia (Triassic); I’oit Phillip, near (Irice’s (’reek
and South (lippsland (-lurassie).
FEHN-MKE PLANTS. INOERTAE SEDfS.
(lenus TAFLNionunos Krongniart, 1828.
Taeniopteris wianamattae Peistmantel sp.
(Plate XIII., fig. 51.)
}facrotae)iiopferis iviaii/imaflae Feist mantel, 1878, PalaeouTographic'a.,
Suppl. vol. 11!., Lief. 8, Heft 2, p. 107, f)l. XIII., fig 2. Wilkin-
son, 1870, Ann. Rep. Dept. Mines, N.S. W'ales, p. 215, pi. \^.
'r. Woods, 1882, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, vol \HIL, |>. 118,
])1. 10a. Feistmantel, 1800, Mem. (leol. Surv. N.S. Wales,
Palaeont. No. 2., ]>. 11(5, pi. XXV'IL, figs, 1, 2. Ftheridge,
jun., 1802, Deol. and Pal. ()ueenslan(l, p. 270. Dun, 1808,
Austr. Asso(‘. Adv. Sci., vol. VI L. p. 207.
Taeni.o})teris mreetl Mcl’oy, 1808, Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., X.S., vol. X.,
pt. IP, p. 285, and text-fig.
Maerotaeniopferis iroodsi Dun, 18i)8, Austr. Assoc. Adv. Sci., vol.
VI L, p. 200.
Taeniopterifi S]). Arber, 1005, (’at. Foss. Phmts (( Jlossopteris Flora),
Brit. Mus., p. 128.
Taeniojderis {.Macrotae-iuopferi.s) sp. (’hapman, 1014, Australasian
Fossils, p. 88.
Taeniopteris H'lanamaUae Feistm. sj)., W'alkom, 1017, ()ueensland
(leol. Surv. Pub. No. 257, pt. L, p. 28.
Taeii/io pterin {Macfotae/niojiteris) manamuttae, Feistm. ( lia})inan,
1010, \dctoria?i. Naturalist, vol. XXXV., Xo. 10, pp. 140, 150,
152.
A’ote the T p pe-speciineii' nf T. Hu'ceti McCop. I have care-
fully exatnined the type of Taeniopteris Sireeti described (ref. above)
by McCoy, and find it to be idendical iir all the })reserved cl)aractM's,
such as width of lamina, and s})acing and forking of secondary
veins, with T. nnanamattae. This I have already stated in another
place. In the original descri|)tion McCoy says that the specimeii
came from the (ranpa.mo pterin Sandstone. The (diai'acter of the
matrix, however, clearly shows its origin to be from the U{)pei',
siliceous layer in the trench at Bald Hill (see remarks an, tea, p. 124).
I 135 ]
TJIIASSIC FLORA OF RALJ) RILL
DistribntioH, of T. ivianamaUae. In (^lueensland tliis species
occurs at Ipswich, where it is rare (T. Woods) ; and at the livoli
(Wal Mine (K. Hitlierid«e, jui\.). Both ol tliese localities are in the
r])swich Series, ol Triaasic age.
In South Australia the Leigh’s ( 'reek coal borings luive revealed
examples of 71 ivi(wu‘Wdff(te.^'^ A I'e-exaniination of jdants from
that series, by Miss C’ookson and myself, show also the {)resence
of ThmdfeMui Feistmavieli, Cladophlelns Albertsi, Taeniopteris
Ditnstani.' T. ef. Teinson-iroodsi ajul Equimtiteii rotifenmi. ^ The
balance of evidence, therefore, is strongly in favour of a Iriassicage
for the series and may be compared with the lower part of the I pper
Coal Measures in Tasmania.
Series GYMNOSPERMEAE.
(lass CYCADALES.
(ienus Ptiloi’HYLlum (Morris, foliage, 1841). WTlliamsonia
(Carruthers, flowers, 1870).
Ptiloi'Hyllum (Williamsonia) pectfn lAiilli'ps sp.
(Plate Xll., fig. 36.)
Cycadites pecten riiillips, 1829, (Ieoh Yorkshire, p. 148, pi. VIL,
fig. 22.
Iddmphylluni pecten Philli])S sp. Lindley and Hutton, 1834, Fossil
Flora, vol. 1 1., pk ('ll.
Ptdnphyllum acntum Morris, 1840, Trans, (leol. Soc. Loud., ser. 2,
voi. V., ]). 327, pi. XXL, figs. 1-3.
PtilopJiqllum oli(/oneuru'm 4\ Woods, 1883, Proc. Linn. Soc. iN.S.
Wales, vol. VI 11., p. 149., pi. VIL, figs. 2-4. Etheridge, 1892,
(leol. and Palaeont, (hieensland, p. 382, pi. VIL, fig. 11 ;
pi. XVI. , fig. 2.
Ptihqdiylhuni Officeri Mcf'oy, 1894, Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., vol. VL,
p. 143.
Wdliamsoiida pecten Phillips sp., Seward, 1900, Cat. Mesozoic Plants,
Brit. M\is. Jurassic Flora, vol. L, p. 190, pi. 11., fig. 7 ; pi. III.,
text-figs. 30 35.
Ptdophylhmi {Williamsonia) pecten Phillips sp. W’alkom, 1917,
(hieensland (leol. Surv. Pub. No. 259, Mesozoic Flora of (Queens-
land, pt. 1.. p. 14, 1)1. V., fig. 6.
PtilophyllMm cf. oligoneurum T. WYods, Chapman, 1919, Victorian
Naturalist, vol. XXXV., p. 150.
28 Chapman, 1919, p. 149.
1 136 ]
TKIASSIC! FLORA OF BALI) TITLL.
()hservations- 'V}\Q present figui'ed specimen of the frond of
IHIIophyll'um pecten in the Trias of Bacclms Marsh seems to bear
out Nhnvell Arber's conchision that P. (watifolivm, wliicli tliat author
lias floured from the Middle .lurassic of Southland, New Zealand,^*'
is distinct from the present s])ecies. Tlie Bacchus Marsli specimens
have the ])innae rather lono, slender, and acuminate towards the
tip. Unlike those of P. acMijoliimi, they are rather crowded and
])arallel-sided for quite two-thirds of their lenoth.
Dimensions of fiyured spemmeii.- Vi \dt\i of frond, 28 mm. ; length
of frond, as floured, 66 mm. Lenoth of lon,^est pinna, 2 mm.
No evidence was obtained from the present series of specimens
of the floral elements with microsporophylls. It may be noted,
however, that occasional ovoid bodies like small nuts, enclosed in
siliceous mudstone, when broken ojien, show a distinct cortex and
within a mass of little seed-like bodies (see posted).
Previously known from the Jurassic of Knofand,
(lermany, India, (fraham Land, and (Queensland ; and from the
Lower Cretaceous of Creenland.
('Yf'AI)AC'EOlJS FRUIT.
Plate NIL, fios. 40, 40a
Description. Several specimens of large, apfiarently ovoid or
subcylindrical fruits, contah'ing small seed-like bodies, are found
in tiie jiresent series. From their more or less distorted lorm,
they must have been of soft texture when buried in the sediment.
There ap|)ears to have been, a fairly thick, spongy cortex, within
which are crowded innumerable spherical bodies. Jhese fruits
remitid one of the ovulate strobils of the Cycadoidea. The enclosed
seeds closely resemble the megasporo])hylls seen in the figure of
Cijcadeoidea {Hot melt ites) Gibson iana figured by Seward.'*" They
measure about 1 mm. in diameter and are sul)spherical or
])olygonal. What a])pears to be a central vascidar strand is present,
as also the thick cortex shown in Seward's figure. JJie strobil
measures 23 X 30 mm. ^
2!1 Arber, 1917. ]). .'13. pi. XI.. ligs. 1, 2. .I.
:10 Seward. 1917, p. M92, fig. .'12111.
[ 137 ]
TRIASSIO FLORA OF BALD HILL.
(lass GINKGOALES.
(ieiuis ()iNK(;oiTFS SeAvanl,
(JlNK(iOTTES OIOITATA Bi'on»ii.iart SJ).
Plate XI., tig. 29.
(Ujclopteris diyitata Brongniart, 1828, Hist. Veg. Foss., p. 219, pi.
LXl. bis, figs. 2, 8. Liiulley and Hutton, 1883, Foss. Flora,
vol. I., ])1. LX1\ . Hunker, 1846, Wealdenbildung, p. 9, pi. 1.,
fig. 8 ; pi. V., figs. 5, 6. ; ])1. VI., fig. 11.
(Jiidyo dlgitata Brongn. sp. Heer, 1877, Fossil Flora Arct., vol.
I\'. (1), p. 40, j)l. VIII., fig. \a ; pi. X., tigs. 1- 6.
S(disbu.ria ddcptata ]dvo\\g}\. sp. Sa porta, 1884, Pal. Franc., vol III
p. 294, pi. CLX., figs. 1-5.
(nnkgo digitata Brongn. sp. Heward, 1900, durassic Flora, Vorksliire
(Brit. Mus.), part 1, p. 254, pi. IX., figs. 1, 2, 9, 10 ; text-ftg. 45.
Walkom, 1917, Queensland (leol. Surv. Pnbl. Xo. 259, pt. 1.,
concl. p. 8, pi. I., figs. 3, 4, 5.
(dbdgoites dn/itata Br(mgn. sp. Seward, 1919, Foss. Plants, vol. I V.,
p. 14, text-figs. 634, 639. Walkom, 1925, Papers and Proc.
Hoy. Soc., Tasmania, for 1924, ]). 84.
Observations. One of the leaf-fragments in the present series
is clearly referable to the above species. It represents about one-
third of a leaf, together with the jietiole. The venation is
characteristic in its simple dichotomy, the veins being spaced about
6 in 4mm. near tlie middle of the leaf. The margin is deejfiy divided.
The type of leaf is exactly matched by Seward’s figure 9 on pi. IX.
of his Jurassic Flora, pt. 1.
Giukgoites digitata is represented in the Ipswich beds (Trias),
(fiieensland, by a good series, figured by Walkom.
Distribution. The remains of leaves of the G.digitata type are
of world-wide distribution, and they range from the Trias to the
Jurassic. They are more connnonly found in Jurassic strata as
in the floras of Yorkshire, Franz-Josef Land, Turkestan, India
Mongolia, Japan, and Victoria (Aust.).
[ 138 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALO HILL.
(ienus Baifra Braun, 1848.
Baiera darleyensis sp. nov.
Plate Xll., figs. 82 84.
Descri'ptioih. - \iQdii deeply incised, tlie extremities widely forked,
either sharply truncated, as in H. I'psmcmms Shirley, or out-
spread and laciniate. One specimen figured (fig. 84) shows a marked
flexuosity or flaccidity of the lamina, but otherwise this agrees with
the remainir)g types. The venation is rather c4ose, about o to the
lamina in the terminal portion. There is some resemhlai'ce to the
(Queensland species already mentioned, but the small size, about
one-half to one-third the width, as well as the laciniate character ol
the terminations, se])arate this sjiecies from those previously
described.
Ditmii-sions. -Length of leaf, circ. 18mm. Width of incised
])ortion of lamina, l.Smm. to 2mm. and 8mm. at the apices.
Divergence of ti])s, circ. 10mm. from point to ])oint.
Observations.- The above species is in some respects an extreme
form of the genus, and recalls Zalessky’s genus GmJcfiopsis.^^
Hemains of B. darleyensis are fairly abundant in the ^ Irias
of Bacchus Marsh. Our s])ecimens are suggestive of the B. ips-
viciensis figured by Hhirley aud Walkom from (Queensland, but
differ in im]>ortant details whicli seon to be specilic, as set lorfh
above. 44ie related B. i'psviciensis has only been found in (Qut'ens-
and, in the Trias (Ipswich Series) of Denmark Hill.
(Ienus — Stachyopitys Schenk, 1867.
(? Male Flowers of Oinkgoales.)
Stachyopitys cf. annularioides Shirley.
Plate XI., fig. 25.
Stachyopitys annularioides Shirley, 1898, (Queensland Geological
Survey, Bull. No. 7, p. 18, pi. XVIL, fig. 1. Walkom, 1917,
ibid., Publ. No. 259, p. 18, pi. IV., fig. 6.
Observations In fig. 25 is reiuesented an annulate arrangemeut
of bracteate leaves, which is m all probability related to Shirley s
Stachyopitys ammlarioides. These remains, in isolated fragments,
are quite common on the slabs with (Jtnhyo and Baiera; this
association would seem to be more than a (‘oincidence.
31 Shirley, 1898, p. 12, pi. m.) flg.S. .Wo Walkom, 1917, p. 11. p. IV., tigs, 1 ami 2.
32 Seward, 1919, |i. 77.
[ 139 ]
TEIASSIC FLORA OF BALD HILL.
Genus- Antholithus Heer, 1882.
(? Male Flowers of Ginkgoales.)
Antholithus sp.
Plate XL, figs. 22, 23, 26.
cf. Antholithus, sp. Seward, 1919, Fossil Plants, vol. IV., p. 52, fig.
654.
Observations. -The specimen above referred to is from the English
Jurassic Series of Vorkshire.^® These forms were noted as “pollen
sacs of Ginkgo by Seward in the earlier, British Museum, mono-
graph ; the leaflets are more regularly ovate than those now figured,
the latter being more or less truncated and arranged with some
regularity along a straight axis and are often petiolate.
Doubtful Ginkgoales.
Genus- -Phoenicopsis Heer, 1877.
PiioENicoPSis elongates Morris sp.
I date XL, fig. 27.
ZeugophylUtes elongatus Morris, 1845, in Strzlecki's Phys. Descr. of
Xew South Wales and Van Dieman's Land, p. 250, pi. VI.,
figs. 5, 5a.
Phoenicopsis elongatus Morris sp. Seward, 1903, Ann. S. African
Mus., vol. IV., p. 67, pi. IX., figs. 1, 9, 10 Walkom, 1917,
Queensland Geol. Surv., Publ. Xo. 259, p. 27, pi. IX., figs. 2, 3.
Sewarcl, 1919, Victorian Xaturalist, vol. XXXV., Xo. 'TO, ])p.
151, 153. Walkom, 1925, Papers and Proc. Bov. Soc. Tasmania
for 1924, p. 87.
Observations.- "Ilie long linear leaves of Phoenicopsis are
represented in the present series by poorly developed but undoubted
examples, mostly fragmentary. An unusually complete one is
that here figured.
In passing, one may note that, in revising and placing the
palaeontological collections at the Xational Vluseum, it was interest-
ing to see that the former Director, Sir Fredk. McCoy, had labelled
some^ Tasmanian examples of typical leaves of the above species
as “ Zeuigophglites,'’ for we remember that in 1847 he had confused
the leaves of Aoeggerathiopsis Hislopi with Morris’ ZeugophylUtes,
as it was then termed.
Dimensions. The figured specimen from Bacchus Marsh has a
length of 32 mm., whilst its greatest width is 4.5 mm.
33 Hewanl. 1900, ji. 2C0, fig. 4.5.
1 HO ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD BILL.
Distrihution. -'Vxmfi : Tasmania (Morris). Eliaetic : Stormberg
(8eward), and South America (Szainocha and Kurtz). Jurassic :
Walloon Series : Queensland (Walkom) ; also Tasmania.®^
Thoenicopsis Feistmanteli, nom. mut.
Plate Xn., figs., 31, 31a.
Podozamites lanceolatus (non Lindley and Hutton sp.), PAistmantel,
1877, Palaeontologia Indica, ser. XI., vol. II., pt. 2, p. 91, pi.
HI., figs. 7-14 ; pi. IV., figs. 1-10.
Observations. The above form, described by Feistmantel as
Podozamites lanoeolatus, Lindley and Hutton sp. cannot be referred
to that species, as already ])ointed out by Prof. Seward,^® who
further suggests its relationship to Phoenicopsis, in the following
words : “ The specimens figured by Feistmantel from Upper
(londwana rocks in India as P. lanceolatus (fig. 813), should, 1 a)n
inclined to think, be assigned to Phoenicopsis.”
Feistmantel records the sjiecies as pretty frequent in the Jabalpur
group of India (equivalent of Upper Lias to Lower Oolite).
The leaves are slenderer than in P. elongata. The apex is
acuminate, and the venation parallel and rather closely spaced. In
some instances there is a median ridging which is merely a longitudinal
folding of the leaf.
Fragments fairly abundant in the present series.
Genus- -PsYGMOPHVLLUM Schim])er, 1870.
PSYGMOPHYLLUM FeRGUSONI, Sp. 110 V.
Plate XII., fig. 39 ; plate XHL, figs. 44, 45.
Description.- The remains of these leaves are not complete,
but there is sufficient to show that it was flabellate, with crenate
to wavy margin. The veins are parallel for the most part, with
occasional distinct anastomosing and also dichotomous branching.
The veins are stout, and are seen in the negative condition as
deeply incised lines with a ridge between. The lamina itself ivas
finely lineated with secondary or merely superficial veins.
Dimensions.-— Yhe veins are about "O mm. to 1 mm. apart.
Width of lamina preserved, 21 mm. ; length, 31 mm.
Comparisons and Observations.- “ Cycdpteris ” crenata
of Brauns, which was described from the Rhaetic of Brunswick,
Germanv, is a somewhat similarly flabellate leaf to ours, but the
U In a letter- rerrolvod in 1912, tiro iatc .Mr-. W. H, Twelveti-ees wrote me tlmf rh,mkopsU ,-lon,julux
i found aimndirntly tlrrougiiorit the Mesozoic in Tasmania.
Srrrms’l862;’i.^52fpi. XIII.. flg. 8. ? Psy,j>nophyUum crenalum, Brauns, sp„ Seward, 1919. p. 88.
[ 141 ]
TKIASSK! KLOKA OF |}ALI) HIIA..
edge is more (listinetly erenate and the veins are nearly d ttnn.
apart. Otlierwise it approaclies the present species more closely
than any otlier described form.
ddie leaves are distinct from tliose of t/cn/y/n/fes- and (ihdyopJryll/um,
\vhi(‘fi liave divergejit and dichotomons veins and do not an.astomose.
I he type species of Psyyniop/n/lhmi is “ Xoffiyeraf/n'o/tsis " llahellafa
Lindley and Hiitt()n.*’’
I he rigidity of the leal and veins in tJie above s[)ecimens, and
tlie acute dichotomy of the venation ai'c strong evidence in favour
of its felationslnp with the (Jinhgoales and not witli (hiropteris,
to winch genus Newell Arbei'^'^ lias referred a New Zealand species
almost identical with the above. In the same report Newell Arber
lias named the Soutli .Australian (Leigh s ( reek) specimen, wdiicli
Ltheridge, jiin., described as Aiifhyopsis sp.,’*" Chimpteris Ktheridqei
sp. nov.
Another form .somewhat related to P. Feryusoiip from the Trias
(Ipswich Heries) of (Queensland, was described by ('arruthers'*" as
Spheti(>ptefi'< r,trnea/a. This has a shorter and broader leaf, as the
name deludes.
PsfifitnophulJum is known Irom rocks as early as the Devonian,
and the genus persists into the Hhaetic, if Brauns and Newell Arber’s
sjiecies are included.
CONIFERALES.
Fain. Cupressineae.
Demis Bkachyphyli.i’.m .Brongnia rt, 1828 .
Brachyphvllum ckassum T. AVoods.
Blate XllJ., fig. 47.
Ikachyphylhmi australe, var. cnisaimi 4\ AVoods, 188:1, Pro(‘ Linn
Soc. N.S. AVales, vol. VI L, pt. L, p. 15‘), pi. Ah
Hrachyphylhim emssum T. AVoods. H. Etheridge jun., 1892, Deol.
and I’al. (Queensland, p. .‘185, pi. NA'IIL, tig. 2.
(0 /V//^s^sy/nn^n7m/hsmA1c('ov, (liapman, 1908, Bee. Deol Surv Abet
vol. II., ]d. IV., p. 218. pl. XXXAb, fig. 2.
IkachyphylUvm cnustuim 'f. AVoods, AValkom, 1917, (Queensland
Deol. Surv., Buhl. No. 2.59, p. 25, pl. IX., fig. 1.
ObservatiOH.s. The specimen now figured ajipears to be a
terminal slioid, which bears short, cordate leaves with acuminate
:i" l.iiulley anil Huttnii, IS:i2, |ils., XXVIU , X\l\
:i8 Xcwell Arber, liU7, p. 27, pl.. III., Ila. 8.’
;!!) Idem, 1917, ji, 28,
40 Cairutliers, 1872, p. pl. .X.WII., li.e:. .r), Sliirley, 1898, p. 24, pl. XXlll.
L 142 J
'I'RIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) JIILL.
and sometimes s])inose apices. Fragments of leaves in the sur-
rounding Tuatrix suggests Klnfocla<lu.s, but these may ot‘ mav not
represent the leaves of the basal [lart of this bmnchlet. The
acuminate leaflets show a close resemblance to the shape of the cone-
scales ol Aranmrlfes, l)ut are minute in com[)arison. On the whole
it seems more advisable to regard it as a terminal branch of the
lini-chyphi/ll tmi tyjie, of wlticli the .)urrassi(‘ J>. McOoy,
is another closely related form. Tfic materiai of all our Australian
Mesozoi)' examples of this and allied genera is too meagre for an
accurate des(‘ri|)tion, but in the advent of a more complete series,
this would form an interesting group of fossil plants to deciphei'.
On examinitig the figured type of T. Woods' />. Mr. H.
Ftheridge, jun., found the leaves “ terminated u|)wards in a short
mucro ’ In this character it agrees with the present specimen.
Tenison Woods records />. crassam from the
l])swich Series (Triassic) ; Tivoli Mine. It also occurs in the
Walloon Series (Jurassic) of Clifton (V)lliery, Walloon and Rosewood
(Ftheridge, jun. and Walkom).
CONIFERALES, incertae sedes.
(lenus FnATonLADUS Halle, 191J.
HIlatocladus conferta Oldham and Morris s[).
Plate XII., fig. .‘57 ; Idate XI II., fig. 4fi.
Cuihniiu/hmnites coihfertiis Oldham and Morris, 186.‘5, Palaeontologia
Indica, vol. I., pt. I., pi. XXXII., hg. 10.
Palifisya cothfeiia PId. and Morr. S|)., Feistmantel, 1877, Ibid., ser.
li., vol.’ II., pt. II., p. i:57, |)1. XFV., figs. 4 8, 8n ; pi. XFVIIl.,
fig. 4.
Palissya auslmlis McCoy, in Stirling, 1000, Notes on the Fossil
Flora of South (lippsland. Rep. on Vdct. ( Mal-fields, No. 7.,
Dept, of Mines, Vbct., pi. 111., figs. 8, 0. Chapman, 1008, Rec.
Oeol. Surv. Viet., vol. II., pt. 4, p. 218, pi. XXXV., figs, 4, 5.
Klatodudus eonferla Old. and Morr. sp., Newell Arber, 1017, New
Zealand Oeol. Surv., Pal. Bull. No. 6, |>. 58., [)1. L., ftgs., 1, J ;
])1. V'l., fig. 4 ; pi. VIII., fig. fi.
Descrijdioii.. 'riie present examples include a stem with three
leaflets attached to one side (fig. .‘57), found in the red ironstone of
the tremdi at Bacchus Marsh ; and also a, detached leaflet, highly
carbonized, found on the softer, whitish ])ipe-clay bed. In fig. .‘57
the stem is thick and slightly imbricated as though the foliage had
been strip])ed off, whilst there are three leaves still remaining, which
1 ( 508 .- 11
41 Ftlioridge, jun., 1892, p. 385,
[ 143 J
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD HILL.
compare closely with those from the Kajrnahal beds of India, referred
by Oldham and Morris to Cnnnvnghmnites confertus. Feistmantel
has described further Indian specimens as follows “ Branches
distichous, alternate, furnished with leaves ; leaves broader, shorter,
at the base constricted, acuminated, on a decurrent cushion, sessile,
spirally dis])osed, but imitatinp- the lorm of a comb (fructification
unknown)."
()bsermtions.~ The generic name of Elatodadm was given by
Halle to include sterile shoots of conifers like that of Palissya and
Taxites. Halle included Palissya australis of McCoy in the same
genus, as a synonym of Elatocladas conferta Oldham and Morris.
iJistrihvtion - -The \hctorian forms referred to occur in the
Jurassic of South Oippsland. Arber’s specimens are from the
Bhaetic to Middle Jurassic of New Zealand.
Oenus “Baritania Hollick and Jeffrey, 1909.
(?) Baritania victoriae, sp. nov.
Plate XII I., figs. 49, 50.
Description. These examples consist of slender, dichotomously
brancherl axes, which are gra(jefully curved, and at first sight re-
semble the remaitis of Baiera {d eanpaalia) Lindleyana of Schimper.
I he edges of the axes are seen, however, to carry what appear to be
minute prickle-leaves. The (listinguishing feature of the present
species is the graceful curvature of the branches and axis, which in
Raritania yracdis, of the Cretaceous of New Jersev and Kreischer-
ville, consist of straight, divergent branches thrown off from the
main axis at an acute angle.
1 he shoot here figured is about 11mm. m length and the axis is
.5mm. in width. The stem is very finely striate.
Ohservalions.- On account of the unicpieness of the above species,
the reference to^ the North American genus, Raritania, is here re-
garded as provisional. Further examples may ])rove its relationship
with Baiera rather than with Raritania.
SEEDS, incertae sedis.
Oenus — Miorotesta, nov.
Microtesta triassica, gen. et. sp. nov.
Plate NIL, fig. 38.
General Characters.- -The minuteness, the ovate to subspherical
form, and absence of keels or salient points of attachment prevents
the reference of this fossil seed to any genus or group of uncertain
position already described.
[ 144 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALL HILL.
DescrijMon . — This type of small seed-like body is quite abundant
in. the red ironstone shale of the Schizoneura bed. On one slab,
from which the figure was taken, J counted eight separate specimens.
This seed must have had a thin hut evidently tenacious covering,
and the shrinkage of the mud during its consolidation caused the
seeds to be now easily detached. Remains of Schizormirn are
commonly associated in the slab examined. The seeds are very
minute and average about .5mm. in their longest diameter. They
are sub-ovate, depressed and slightly hollowed on one side, as if
indicating a place of slight attachment. The surface is finely reticu-
lated with a polygonal meshwork.
FOSSIL WOOL), indeterminate.
Rlate Xm., fig. 42.
An interesting, though rather unsatisfactory specimen as regards
preservation, is found in this series, ft has a wrinkled and fibrous
structure, and the exposed surface is seen to be ])artially covered
with small barnacle-like bodies. After sifting the evidence, one
has to conclude that this latter structure is inorganic and may
be referred to the cone-in-cone structure so often found in mud-
stones originally rich in calcareous matter. Tn this specimen the
weathering of the cones, gives the further illusion of sejiarate valves
closely fitting together.
The specimen of fossil wood measures about 12cm. in length
and 4cm. in the Avidest part. The cones have a height of about
7 mm.
IV.- LIST OF PLANTS HEREIN RECORDED; WITH THE RANGE
IN TIME OF GENERA AND SPECIES.
Genus.
Species.
llaiige.
Phyllotheca
P. indica Buiibury
Permian (India, Soutli Africa, South
America, Australia)
Triassic (Australia)
Permian (India)
Triassi c (Austral ia — Victoria)
/'. austmUs Brongn.
Permian (.tustralia—New South Wales
and Tasmania
Tria.s.sic (Australia- New South Wales,
Queensland and Tasmania)
SCHIZONEURA
Base of Permian (India)
Top of Permian (South Africa, Australia
— New South Wales)
Triassic (Australia — New South Wales,
Queensland and Victoria)
Rhaetic (South Africa)
1 145 1
TRIASSIO FLORA OP BALJ) HILL.
IV. — List of Plants — continued.
Genus.
Species.
Range.
S, micro'phyUa s}>.
nov.
Triassic (Australia — Victoria)
(’ONIOPTERIS
Triassic (Germany, AiLstrali.-.. — Queens-
land and Victoria)
.liirassic (England, Australia and New
Zealand
tVetaceous (North America and Greenland)
C. delicatula Shirley
Triassic (,\u.stralia — Queen.sland and Vic-
Thinnfeldia
sp.
toria)
Triassic (Australia — New South Wales,
South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland
and Victoria ; South Africa, India, and
South America)
Rhaetic (New Zealaiul)
Lias (Hungary)
.lurassic (England, France, Germany,
India, Italy, Australia — New South
Wales and Victoria)
T. Feisimaidelli John-
Triassic (Australia- Queen.sland, Tas-
ston
mania. South Australia and Victoria
Rhaetic (Argentina and New Zealand)
Jurassic (New Zealand, Au.stralia — Queens-
land and Victoria)
T. tancifolm Jlorri.s
Triassic (Au.stralia — Queen.sland, and Vic-
sp.
toria)
Rhaetic (New Zealand and Argentina)
Mesozoic (Australia — Tasmania)
Jurassic (Australia — Queensland)
T. odoniopte.roidps
Triassic (Australia— (Jueensland, New
Jlorri.s sp.
South Wale.s, South Au.stralia, and
Victoria ; India)
Rhaetic (Argentina, China, South Africa,
America aud Europe)
Jurassic. (Australia — VTctoria and New
South Wales)
Taeniopteris
Upper Carboniferou.s (France)
Permian (Thuringia, Lebach, Alsace, Vir-
ginia)
Triassic aud Rhaetic (Germany, South
Africa, Argentina, China, Australia and
New Zealand)
Juras.sic (England, Arctic Region, Poland,
India, Japan, China, New Zealand and
Australia)
Wealden (North Germany and England)
Ptilophyllum
T. ivianamaUae, P'ei.stm
Triassic (Australia, South Australia,
Queensland, New South Wales and
Victoria)
Triassic (Australia — Queensland [flowers],
and Victoria [leaves])
L 146 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) RILL.
IV. — List of Plants — continued.
(ienus.
Species.
liariKP.
Ptilophyllum
(continued)
F. 2KCte.n Phillips s]).
Jura.ssic (England, India, Grahainland,
New Zealand, Au.stralia — Queensland
and Victoria [lea\ es])
VN'ealden (North Germany).
(Jretaceou.s (Greenland)
Triassic (Ainstralia — Victoria)
Jurassic (I'Ingland, India, Australia —
Queensland and Grahainland)
Lower Cretaceous (Greenland)
Ginkgoites
G. du/itaia, Brongn.
sp.'
Trias and Bhaetic (South Africa, Austra-
lia— Queen.sland and Victoria)
Jurassic (England, Scotland, Spitzhergen,
North Germany, 'rurkestan, Jajian,
Oregon, Australia- -Victoria)
Cretaceous (Greenland)
Tertiary- Eocene, Jlioceue and later. (I. of
Mull, Greenland, North Italy, France,
North yVmerica)
Trias.sic (Australia — Queensland)
Jurassic (Great Britain, Franz Josef Land,
Oregon, Japan, Australia— Victoria)
Mesozoic (Australia — Tasmania)
G]). .liirassic nr Weahlen (Spitzbergen)
Baiera
B. darleytnsis sp.
nov.
Permian (France)
Trias.sic (Switzerland. Sweden, Australia —
Queensland)
Rhaetic (Japan and New Zealand)
Jura.ssic (England, S]iitzhergen, China,
Australia Victoria)
Lower Cretaceou.s (Dakota)
Trias.sic (Australia —Victoria)
Stachyopitys
.S'. annularioides,
Shirley
Tria.ssic (Australia — Queensland and Vic-
toria)
Rhaetic (Franconia, South America, and
South Africa)
Tria.ssic (Au.stralia— Queen.sland and Vic-
toria)
.1 urassic (Grahainland)
Antholithus
Triassic (.Australia — ^'ictoria)
Rhaetic (Scania)
Jurassic (England)
Phoenicop.sis
F. elongatus Morris
sp-
Triassic (Australia)
Rhaetic (South Africa)
Jurassic (North Germany, Franz Josef
Land, Siberia, India and .Australia)
Triassic (Australia — Anctoria and Tas-
mania)
Rhaetic (South Africa)
[ 147 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) HILL.
IV — ^.List of
Plants conlinued .
(ionu-;.
Species.
liimge.
Phoenicopsis
Jurassic (Australia— Queensland and Tas-
{eont'imied)
mania)
P. Feistmanteli .S]>.
Triassic (Australia Victoria)
nov.
Jurassic (India)
PsYGMOPHYL-
Devonian (Ireland. Norwav, and New-
LUM
found land)
Carboniferous (England and Spitzbergen)
Permian (France, Russia, Germany, Soiitli
Africa, Au.stralia — New iSoutli Wales)
'I’riassic (Australia Victoria)
Hrachyphyl-
P. Fergusoni sp. nov.
Triassic (Australia — Victoria)
Triassic (Australia Victoria)
LUM
Rbaetic (New Zealand)
Jurassic (England, France, India, Aus-
tralia — Victoria)
Lower Cretaceous (Portugal and North
America)
B. cmssxm Woods
Tria.ssic (.Australia -Queensland and Vic-
Elatocladus
toria)
Triassic (Australia— A'ictoria)
Rhaetic (Scania and New' Zealand)
Jurassic (F.ngland, India, Australia. Gra-
hamland and New Zealand)
Cretaceous (Westphalia. Moravia, Bohemia,
Buloaria. Greenland and North .America
F. conferta Oldh.
Triassic (Australia — Ab'ctoria)
Raritania
and Morr. .s]>.
Rhaetic (New Zealand)
Jurassic (New Zealand, .\ustralia -A'ic-
toria)
Cretaceous (New .lerse\’)
Rarilaina rictoriae
Triassic (.Australia Wctoria)
sp. nov.
lu digesting the foregoing suimnary of occurrences, we find tliat.
amongst genera older than the Trias, there are five counts.
Of the Trias and Ehaetic, there are thirteen counts.
file genera younger tiian the Trias have eleven counts (exclud-
ing a doubtful record).
I hus, the balance of evidence as to the age of the flora removes
it conclusively from the Ganyamopteris horizon, and places it in
the Trias, with a strong leaning towards the Jurassic facies.
V.— GEOGRAPHICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE FOSSILS.
A brief examination of our knowledge of the distribution of the
various kinds of plants comprised in the present series, shows some
striking points worthy of notice.
[ 148 1
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALO HILL.
The equisetaleans, Sckizoneura and Phyllotheca are apparently
confined to the old Gondwana continent. Thus, PcMzoneura appeared
in Perniian times in both 8outh Africa and Australia, and persisted
into the Triassic and Rhaetic in South Africa and Australia (Xew
South Wales, Queeiisland and Victoria).
Phyllotheca had a similar and even wider distribution, but still
over the tract of Gondwanaland. Its habitats in Permian time
extended from India and Australia to South Africa and South
America. In the Triassic period it was apparently confined to
Australia (New South Wales, (fiieensland, Victoria and Tasmania) :
whilst the Rhaetic occurrence in New Zealand shows a later ]iene
tration into that area. Although not found in this series, we may
note that the related Equisetites is known from beds as old as the
Trias in Europe, the older Permian and Carboniferous records
being more or less doubtful calamiteans. The appearance of
Equisetites in the Australian flora as early as the Triassic (Ipswich
series) shows its universal distribution in the early Mesozoic ; though
after remaining as a fairly abundant constituent of the southern
flora until Jurassic times, it seems to have smhlenly retreated to
Europe, with the exception of the remnants still found living in
Java, the West Indies and South America (Buenos Aires and C'hili).
The ferns include Coniopteris (presumably a tree-fern), which
is a genus known to have lived in Europe during Triassic times ;
in England, Australia and New Zealand during Jurassic times ;
and in North America and Greenland, probably, in Cretaceous times;
Thirmfelclia was a late Gondwanaland development, as it is well
distributed throughout the Trias and Rhaetic of India, Australia,
New Zealand, South Africa and South America. In Jurassic times
it extended its range into Europe, aufl it also doubtfully lived on
in the North American Cretaceous.
Ihdike many other Australian types of fossil plants, Taenioptens
had already established itself in the Euroj)ean and North American
floras in Upper Carboniferous times, occurring in Erance and in
Missouri. In the Permian it still flourished in those areas ; per-
sisting in England, Europe and the Arctic regions, through Jumssic
times and even into the Wealden. During the Triasso-Rhaetic
period Taeniopteris was well established in the later Gondwana
flora in India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa,, China and
South America. It is a prominent genus in most southern Jurassic
floras, in which period it suddenly dies (uit, though still })ersisting
in Europe into the Wealden.
The only representative of the Cycadales, Phlophyllvm, is anothei'
well-distributed genus, and appears first in the Southern Hemi-
sphere, in Queensland, and now in Victoria. In New Zealand it
is found in later, Jurassic, rocks, similar in its time occurrence in
1 149 ]
TKIASSIC FLORA OP BALI) LULL.
England, (xraliam Land and India. It persists also in southern
areas in .Jurassic times, as it is found in tlie Walloon series in Queens-
land, as well as in New Zealand. Its latest ap])earance is in the
Wealden of Lpper (lermany and the Cretaceous of (Jreenland.
This fluctuating distribution is at least ])u;5zling and suggests some
curious ])alaeogeogra})hical questions.
The Cinkgoales, re[)i'esented by Haiera as the older type, and
Ginkgo or Ginkgoites, range from the Permian, till to-day. Baiera
itself occurs in the Permian of France. In the Trias-Hhaetic it
is fouml both in Europe and the later Comlwana areas. The -Jurassic
period saw it exteiuling to North America, where it persisted till
Lower Cretaceous times.
d'he type ol the living Gutkgo dates from the Trias of Adctoria
and the Hhaetic of South Africa.
Amongst the genera of uncertain position, but allied to the Cyca-
dales or Cinkgoales, are Phoenncojjsis and PsygmophijUnm. The
genus BhoeHK‘Oj)shH, like several other generic tyf)es enumerated
here, ap})ears to have commenced its existence in the Southern
J^Iemisphere, as it occurs in the [iresent Triassic series and also in
the Hhaetic of South Africa. It later made its aj)pearance in
Europe, in the .Jurassic, at which time it was alsf) a well known.
comj)on,ent of the Australo- Indian series.
/Gip/niophijUimK The range of this genus (in, a less restricted
form), is given as from Devonian to Permian. It is interesting
to note the geographical distribution of the genus, wdiich in Devoniaii
and Carlioniferous times was confined to Eurojje and North America.
It then apparently S])read to ( londwanaland in. the Permian, where
it is found in the South African and probably Australia (New South
Wales) series of rocks. This ])resent occurrence, in the Trias of
\dctoria, of examples (]uite typical of Idndley and Hutton's ( Arboni-
ferous fossils from the English Newca.stle Coal Measures, is there-
fore highly interesting as a record of persistence into the Mesozoic.
Of the Coniferales, BmcJu/phglhnn has hitherto been confined
almost entirely to the .Jurassic rocks of England, France, India
and Australia ; but it has survived into the Lower Cretaceous of
Portugal and the Dakota Croup of North America. The oldest
record, that of the present, Triassic occurrence at Bacchus Marsh,
is further confirmed by the discovery of the genus by Newell Arber
in probable Hhaetic rocks of Otago, New Zealand,
In Blatocladus, which accoriling to Halle‘S should include
sterile Coruferous branches of the radial or dorsi-ventral tvpe,
which do Tiot show any characters which permit them to be includeil
in one of the genera instituteil for more jieculiar forms," we have
a generic type similarly found in, the Bhaetic of New Zealand as
4:> Halle, 19l:l, vul. 111., ]t. XIV., p. 8:J.
[ 150 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF RALI) JIILL.
well as in Sweden. Tlie presen, t occurrence extends the time range
to the Trias. In Jurassic times it was a most im])ortant component
of the later (londwana flora of India, Australia, New Zealand and
(Iraham Land, and also persisted in the hiuropean flora of that time.
In the (Vetaceous ])eriod it seems to have been restricted to North
America and Europe.
The genus Raritania, only provisionally recorded here, in the
Trias, is a North American ('retaceous type. Airy further dis-
coveries of this particular form in Australia will ])e awaited with
interest.
VI. CONCLUSIONS.
From a consideration of the foregoing descriptions of plant
remains from the ScJiizonenra bed of the trench in the C'ouTxcil Paddock
at Bald Hill, it will be seen that the evidence is in favour of a Triassic
age for this horizon.
It is interesting to note McCoy's close determination of the age
of the bed, in s])ite of meagre data, for he recognised its JTiassic
affinities, even in the face of the inverted field relations as mis-
understood at the time, that is to say, as regar-ds the sup])osition
of these beds occurring iinder the (><m(/mnopfens Sandstone of
Bacchus Marsh. One of the greatest triumphs of palaeontology
is the fixing of exact horizons t)y an accumte valuation of the fossil
remains ; and in this direction McCoy not only did pioneering
woT'k, but drew lasting conclusions carried out on what one would
now consider only j)oor material. As Dr. J'. S. Hall more than once
remarked to me, regarding modern criticisms, “ I should not wonder
if McCoy's earlier determinations came out right after all.'’
There still remains much to be done, however, in tlie way of
collecting the plant remains of this JTiassic bed. This series of
s])ecimens, though interesting, cannot be regarded as complete,
for much might still be gathered as to essential structural portions
of the plants discussed, fragments only of which are re])resented in
the present collection.
What has already been discoveretl, as set forth here, is sufficient
to show how important an horizon it is, for many unique kimls of
])lants have been brought to light since the record of McCoy's
Sch izoneura an,d RhJojdiulhitn.
Looking at the subject broadly, the Triassic period was a kind
of “trying-out" time when the Cpper Palaeozoic Flora or Lower
Condwana"’ ISeries still struggled on, until it became a mere skeleton
of its former self, to be absorbed by the incoming richer Jurassic
or Upper Condwana Flora.
1 151 1
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALD HILL.
'Hie recent exhaustive work of Dr. A. B. Walkom on the Mesozoic
Flora of Queensland, the classic volumes on Fossil Plants by Pro-
fessor A. C. Seward, and the Monograph of Mesozoic Plants of New
Zealand by the late Dr. Newell Arber, have all proved of the greatest
value to aid in the comparison of types and structure found in the
present series. Thanks to the foresight of Sir Fredk. McCoy, the
Library of the National Museum contains many otherwise inaccessible
works of the older authors, without reference to which a full com-
parisoii of the Bacchus Marsh Triassic plants could scarcelv have
been made.
VII— BIBLTfKJRAPHY.
Arber, E. A. N., 1905.— Catalogue of the Fossil Plants of the Glossopteris Flora
mthe Department of Geology, British Museum (Natural History), pp. I.-LXXIV
and 1-255, plates I.-VIII.
Arber, E. A. N., 1917.—“ The Earlier Mesozoic Flora of New Zealand.” New
Zealand Geological Survey. Palaeontohgi'nl RnUetm, No. 6, pp. 1-80, plate
1. — XI V.
Braun, s, 1)., 1862.—“ Der Saudsteiu bei Seiiistedt unweit des Fallsteins und die
in ihm vorkommenden Pflanzenreste.” Pain onfonmpMca, Bd IX Lief
2, pp. 47 90, plates XIII.-XV.
Carruthers, W ., 18 / 2 . In Daintree, B. : “ Notes on the Geology of the Colony
of Queensland, Appendix II., Notes on the Fossil Plants from Queensland,
Australia.” Quart. Journ. deal. Soc., Vol. XXVIII., pp. 350-356 plates
XXVI XXVU. ^ ^
Chap.man, F., 1912.— “ Report on -lura.ssic and Carboniferous Fish Remains.”
Records Geol. Survey, Victoria, Vol. IIP, Pt. 2, pp. 234-236, Plate XXXIX
Chapman, F., 1914.— Australasian Fossils, Melbourne, pp. 1 341, 156. Text-
figures and Map and frontispiece.
Chapman, F., 1919.—“ A Sketch of the Geological History of Australian Plants;
The Mesozoic Flora.” Victorian Naturalist, Vol. XXXV., No. 10, pp. 148-
David, 1. M . E. D., 1896.—“ Evidences of Glacial Action in Australia in Permo-
carboniferous Times.” Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc., Vol. LIT, pp. 289-301
plates XII.
Etheridge, R., Jun., 1894. — “ Pala( ontologia Novae Cambriae Meridionalis
Occasional Descriptions of New South Wales Fossils, No. 1.” Records Geol
Survey, New South Wales, Vol. 1 ., Pt. 1, pp. 32-37, plates VIE
Etheridge,
Records
XLVIII
R., .lun.,
Geol. Survey,
XLIX.
1903 “Idle Fructification of Schizoncura australis."
New South Wales, Vol. VIE, Pt. 3, jip. 234-5, plates
Fetstmantel, 0., 1879.— “The Flora of the Talchir-Kaharbari Beds.” Palaeorw
tolofpa ludica, Her. XII. , Pt. I., p. 9, plate I,, figs. 2, 3.
I Eisi M ANi EL, 0., 1890. Geological and Palaeontological Relations of the Coal
and Plant-bearing Beds of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic Age in Eastern Australia
and Tasmania, with especial reference to the Fossil Flora.” Mem. Geol
Survey, New South Wales, Pal. No. 3, pp. 1-183, plates I-XXX.
[ 152 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) HILL.
Ferguson, W. H., 1891. — ‘‘ Report on the Hooks and Fossils of Bacchus Marsh.’'
Report and Statistics of Mining Department, Victoria, for quarter ended 30tli
•Tune, 1891, pp. 31, 32.
Halle, T. G., 1913. — The Mesozoic Flora of Grahamlaiul.” Wi^i^enxch. Jiniehii.
Schim], Siidpolar-Kxpcd., 1901 -3. Bd. 111., Lief. XIV.
Linlley, .1. AN!) Hutton, W., 1832. — “ The Fo.ssil Flora of Great Britain.” Vol.
I.
MoCoAq F., 1892. — “Report on Palaeontology of the Geological Survey for the
year 1891.’" Annual Rej)ort, Secretary for Mines, Victoria for 1891 (1892).
p. .30.
MfFoA', F., 1898. — “ Note on an Additional Genus of Fossil Plants found in the
Bacchus Marsh Sandstone.” Prnc. Roy. Soc. Vieloria, Vol. X. (N.S.), "[jp.
285, 286 and text-figure.
Officer, G. and Balfour, L., 1894. — “Further Notes on the Glacial Deposits
of Bacchus Marsh.” Pmc. Roy. Soc., Virloria, (N.S.), Vol. VI., j)]). 139-143.
Seward, A. G, 1898. — Fossil Plants. Vol. L, Citmbridye University Press.
Seward, A. C., 1900.—“ Catalogue of the Mesozoic Plants in the British Museum
(Natural History). The .Turassic Flora. 1. -The Yorkshire Coast.” pp.
1-341, plates I. XXI.
Seward, A. ('., 1917. — PYssil Plants, Vol. 111., Gamhridye University Press.
Seward, A. C., 1922.- -Fossil Plants, Vol. IV., Uamhridye University Press.
Shirley, H. .1., 1898. — "Additions to the Fo.ssil Mora of (,)ueensland.” Geol.
Survey of Queenskind, Bulletin 7, ])p. 1 -25, ])hites I. XXVI 1.
Walko.m, a. B., 1917. Mesozoic Floras of Queensland, Part I., concluded.
The Flora of the Ipswich and Walloon Series, (d) Ginkgoales, (c) Cycadophyta,
( /') Coniferales.” Queen.sinnd G(ol. Surrey, Publication No. 2.59, pp. 1- 48,
])lates I. -IX.
Wai.kO-M, a. B., 1925. Notes on Some Tasmanian Mesozoic Plants.” Papers
and Proc. Roy. Snc., Tasmania for 1924, pp. 73-89, with 18 figures.
NOTH.
Since this ])a]>er wmnt to jiress the present writer, in conjunction with Miss
Cookson, B. Sc., has juiblished “ A Revision of the ‘ Sweet ’ Collection of Triassic
Plant Remains from Leigh's Creek, South Australia Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Aus-
tralia, vol. L. 1926, pp. 163-178, pis. XIX -XXIV. The species in common be-
tween the two localities (Leigh's Creek and Bacchus Marsh) are as follows : -
Thinnfeklia Feislmantelli .lohnst,
ThimifeJdia Imwifolia Morris sji.
Taeniopleris wmnamaltae Feistm. sp.
Although the two floras have little in common, they both give the same
chronological result, viz., Bacchus (upper flora), “ Triassic, with a strong leaning
towards the Jurassic facies”, and Leigh’s Creek, “Triassic, the flora having a
fair proporfion of jirecocious Jurassic types.”
[ 153 ]
TKIASSIC FLORA OF BALI) HILL,
KXl’LANATION TO PLATK8.
Platk X.
PiiT. 1. Schizoneum mierophylla S]). nov. Cast of stem, witli traces of leaves.
Paratv])e. Natural size.
Fig. mk'nrphjUa s]). nov. External surface with attached leaflets.
Paratv])e. Natural size.
Pig.' 3._,S. microjihytht s]). nov. A slender stem, showinv; nodes and leaflets.
Paratype. Natural size.
hhii'. 4. PhylJolInca iiulica Eunbury. Stem with closely set joints and re-
mains of wliorled leaflets. X A.
Fiu'. [}.- -Pehizoiieura mia-ophijUa sp. nov. Nodal diaphra.gm. Paratyi)e.
X 2.
Fig. b. (f) Ph/jlJoIhrca iiulica Buidniry. Ehizome with attached tubers.
X 3.
Fig. 7. Schizoneum 'mierophylla s]). nov. Pith ('ast of stem, to ^the margin
of which, at a node, remains of attached leaves are seen. Cotype. Natural si.^e.
Fig. S.--)S. 'mierophylla s]). nov. Pith cast, with traces of folia, ge at the nodes.
Paraty])C. X 2.
Fig. 9. I^l) Phyllolheca iiulica Buid)vu'v. Khizome with attached tubers. X 3.
Fig. - Schizoiicura micro ph'ijlla s]>. nov. Stem and part of two nodal dia-
i)hragms. Paraty])e. X 2.
Fig. 11.— N. mierophylla .s|). nov. Leaflet from slab, near specimen figure
10. i’araty])e. X 2.
Fig. 12. S. mierophylla sp. nov. Short joint showing grooved and inter-
lineated stem, with leaves attached. Paratv])e. X 2.
Platk XL
Fig. \?>. SchizoiK'iira microjih'ijlla s|). nov. Part of a c.yclet of leaves. Para-
tv])e. X 2.
Pig. mierophylla. sp. nov. External surface of stem, with node and
basal leaf imprint-s. Paraty|)e. X 2.
Fig. 15 . — Phyllothcca imlicu Enidniry. Stem with dis))laced nodes. X 4.
Fig. lb. Phijllolhcea aimlirdis Brongniart. Base of joint and leaf-sheath.
Natural .size.
Fig. 17 . — SchizoHcura mierophylla, s]i. nov. Leave.s attached to nodal dia-
i)hragm. Paraty])e. X 2.
Pig. i8._cL Schkoiieiira. E])idermis of (?) rhizome, showing pits of rootlet
attachment. X 2.
Fig. B). Thiunfddia oiloufopkroiile.^ Morris s]). Raohis with three pinnules.
X 2.
Pig. 2{).—ThiU)ifchlia laneifolia Morris s]). A characteristic pinnule. X 2.
Fig. 21. T. lauei folia, Morris sj). A pinnule, x 2.
Fig. 22. A iilholilhac X 2.
Fig. 23. — jlntholilhus 1 ^]). X 2.
Fig. 24.-- (?) Poiiiojitirin delicalala Shirley s]>. x 2.1.
Fig. 'lb — Slachyopilyn cj. a iiu ularioides Shirley. X 2.
Fig. 2fi. -Aulholithus sp. X 2.
Fig. 'll -Phoenicopsis eloiiyalus Morris sp. x 2.
Fig. 2S . — (ioniopleris di liciilula Shivley ii]). .Apex of frond. x 21.
Fig. 29.- (linb/oilcs diyilata Brongniart s]>. X 2.
f 154 ]
TRIASSIC FLORA OF BALU HILL.
Explanation to Plates -continued.
Plate XII.
Fig. SO. -ThtunfeUlm Fei.slmu)ililh .lohnston. (T. S. Hall coll.) Rachi.s and
pinnules, showing venation. X 2.
Fig. .31. — Phamicojms Feutmantrli sj). nov. (Types as figured l.iy Feistinantel,
Pal. Ind., 1877). Two fragmentary leaves. X 2.
Fig. 31a. — P. FeiMmanleli sp. nov. A])ieal portion of leaf. ,X 2.
Fig. 32. - Baiera darleyensis sp. nov. x 2. Paratv])e.
Fig. 33. - B. darleyensis sp. nov. X 2. Paraty|)e.
Fig. 34.— H. darleyensis sp. novn X 3. Holotype.
Fig. 3.0. Sclmoneura ■nricrojdiylla sp. nov. Strobil at terminal of a shoot.
Cotype. X fi.
Fig. 3t).~ Ptilophyllnm { W illiamsonia) 'peclen Phillijis sp. A frond ; the original
of McCoy’s PtiJophylimn- Officeri. X 2.1.
Fig. ‘in . ^Elafocladns confciia Oldham and Morris, sp. Axis with three leaf-
lets. X fi.
Fig. 38. — Microtesla Iriassira gen. et sp. nov. Holotype. X 52.
Fig. 39. — Psyymophylhim Ferynsoni sp. nov. An inpierfect leaf. X 2.
Fig. 4(1.-- (?) Cycadaceous fruit. Natural size.
Fig. 4()a. — Cycadaceous fruit. Enlarged view of one of the enclosed mega-
spores. X 4.
Pl.vte XIll.
Fig. 41. — (?) Cycadaceous fruit in matrix. Photograjih. Natural size.
Fig. 42.— Wood, indeterminate. Encrusted with concretionary cone-in-cone
structure. Photograph. Natural size.
Fig. 43.— Bchizonenra niierojd/ylJa sp. nov. Photogra])h of pith cast. I’aratype.
Natural size.
Fig. Psyymophyllum Ferynsoni sj). nov. Photograph of Holotype.
Natural size.
Fig. 45. P. Ferynsoni s]>. nov. Enlarged drawing of holotv])e, to show venation.
X 2.
Fig. 46. -(?) Elatocladns confirta Oldham and Morris sp. Leaflet, x 4.
Fig. 47. Brachyphyllnni. cretssnm. T. Woods. Terminal shoot. X 4.
Fiix. 48. Schizonenra. microphylla sp. nov. Slender stem with leaflets. Para-
tv))e. X 4.
Fig. 49. - ( ?) Earitnnia ricforine, sp. nov. Enlarged drawing to show the character
of the foliage. X 4.
Fig. 50.- (?) Raritania rUioriae. sj). nov. PhotogTa])h of lioloty])e. On the
same slab are associated remains of Echizonenra. X :j.
Fig r)\ . Taeniopten's irianinneitlae, Fiestnmiitel. Tyjie of Taeniojileris Eweeti,
McCoy. Natural size.
L 155 J
Mem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
Plate X.
JE
Plate XL
Mem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
1608.— 12
Mem. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
Plate XII.
1(50 8.— 13
jVIem. Nat. Mus., .Meijku'iine, 7.
Plate XIH
r.'
'mi
IJYTHOTREPHIS IN VICTORIA.
OX AN ADDITIONAL OCCUEKENCE OE BYTHOTREPHI8
IN VICTORIA.
By A. H. 8. Lucas, M.A., B.8c.
(Plate XIV.)
1 am indebted to the autliorities of the National Museum, Mel-
bourne, for tbe opportunity of describing tlie following specimen.
Presumably tlie primitive flora of the world was entirely algal.
Other forms appear to have developed from different types of
algae. Hence it is of interest and imjiortance to ascertain what
types of algae flourished in the earlier times, how they were dis-
tributed, and what was their elemental structure. The evidence
is fragmentary, and owing to the soft entirely parenchymatous
nature of the plants but little of the structure has been preserved
and revealed. The occurrence, then, of a specimen of a well grown
alga in beds so adapted to the preservation of soft parts that a
jelly-fish is shown in nearly its entirety in them, gave hopes that
information of value might be furnished as to early algal structure.
Lhifortunately very little has been gained so far in this regard, but
it is interesting to find an alga in the Melbournian Beds of Victoria,
apparently identical with one from the Lower Ordovician of North
America.
The fossil consists of two main fronds of Dictyota habit wliich
diverge as if proceeding from a common attachment. They do
not lie flat in one plane but are extended freely as on an undulated
surface, seemingly showmig that they were imbedded in rapidly
accumulating sediment. One often finds recent ])lants like Dictyota
dichotoma similarly half sunk in wet sand which has been pouretl
over them by the tide succeeding that which deposited them on
the beach. The fronds are com])ressed, repeatedly dichotomous,
with acute axils, the segments not rapidly diminishmg in width.
Length of frond 78 mm., while the spread of the two fronds occupies
a width of 94 mm. Tlie width of the segments average about 3
mm. The length of the longest branch 60 mm. The substance
is carbonaceous. A collodion film showed rounded cells loosely
grouped with rather thin borders, 79-124/x in diameter (pi. XIII., f. 3).
I venture to identify the form with Bytiiotmidiis ymcilis, James
Hall, described and figured from the Trenton Limestone, in the
upper part of the Lower Ordovician of New York.^
Hall’s description is as follows : —
“ Form slemler, flattened, branched ; branches com-
pressed, leaflike, subdichotomous, diverging, opposite and
alternate ; no visible structure.
1 Palaeontology of Netv York, Vol. p. G2, Plate XXI., lig. 1, Albany, 1847.
[ 157 ]
BYTHOTREPHIS IN VICTORIA.
A Carbonaceous film is all that remains of the fossil.
It Avas ])robably a succulent marine ])lant, not unlike Fucus,
but of a very slender form and habit.”
The alga was obtained from Holfman's ('lay Fit, Brunswick, IMel-
bourne, in the basal part of the Melbournian Beds of tlie Silurian
Series (F. ('hapman). It is bedded in a pale blue pyritous sandstone,
occurring in intermittent bands in tlie typical blue mudstone. The
sandstone is very fine grained, but the bedding is not Avell developed,
the irregular fracture indicating shallow water conditions. The
Museum is indebted for its preservation to Mr. K. Eatius, one of the
Avorkmen, who had previously found Trilobites and Brachiopods
in the clay ])it, and aaIio took great care to gather and preserve as
much as possible of the specimen.
Mr. F. ('hapman has recorded other Victorian algae whicli he
has identified with foreign s])ccies of Bythntre.jthis. I'hese are B.
tev.uis -lames Hall, presetit in Silurian beds in the Botanical Cardens,
South Yarra,“ B. intermedia -James Hall, in Silurian beds, South
Yarra,^ both found in the Trenton Limestone of New York ; and
B. divaricata Ividston, from the Tanjilian of Walhalla,'* described
from the Wenlock of IVIalvern, England.
The generic form B/itJiotre/dns then seems to have been dominant
in Silurian and ()i'do\d(uan times in England, North America and
\ictoria, and aa^c may suspect, throughout the seas of the AA^orld.
By the apparent sini))licity of its structure it seems to liaAm been
an elemental or generalised type.
Hall compared it Avdth Facas, a name not so definite in his time
as noAA^, but in the absence of any kind of fruit it is impossible to
associate Byfhotrephis Avith any living genus, even AAuth Dictyota,
AAdiich it resembles in form and habit and Avdiich has much simpler
modes of re])roduction than the jnesent restricted Facas.
It remains to me to acknoAvledge hoAv greatly 1 am indebted
to ]\lr. F. Cha])man for the help he has given me in draAving up the
present record.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIV.
Fig. 1 . — BythotrepJus gracilis, J. Hall sp. Frond, natural size.
Fig. 2. — Portion of tlie same, twice natural size.
Fig. -3. — Cell structure of tlie carbonised surface, from a collodion film.
The arrow shows the direction of length in the frond. Magnified 104
diameters.
2 ll’ro(\ Uoy. Soc.,vol. xv. (X.S.), pt. I., ]90:i, p. 104, pi, xvi., f, 1.
ti l(l('utifle(i by F. CliapiiiiUi, Nat. Mus., Coll.
4 liec. Geol. Siirv. Yict., vol. ill., pt. 2, 1912, p. 231, pi. xxxviii , f ]
Ry All! Iioi’it y : II. J. (Ikkfx. (-ovoniiiuMit Priiitor. Aiolboiiviie,
[ 158 ]
Mkm. Nat. Mus., Melbourne, 7.
Plate XTV.
I
f
H
' X
- sV
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