Nasutitermes triodiae

Nasutitermes triodiae, also known as the cathedral termite, is a grass-eating species of snouted termite that occurs in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is also sometimes referred to as the spinifex termite, since it is found in the spinifex[1](also known as Triodia) grasslands.

Nasutitermes triodiae
Mound of cathedral termite, Nasutitermes triodiae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Infraorder: Isoptera
Family: Termitidae
Genus: Nasutitermes
Species:
N. triodiae
Binomial name
Nasutitermes triodiae
(Froggatt, 1898)
Nasutitermes triodiae workers and "snouted" soldier castes

Description

Nasutitermes triodiae mostly live in Northwestern Territory of Australia. They are known for their skill at building "cathedrals".

Mounds

Mounds of the cathedral termites on the dry plains of the Northwest Territory dominate the landscape and often tower more than 15 feet in height.[2][3] Constructed from mud, plant parts, and termite saliva and feces, the columns of the mound are extraordinarily tough and able to withstand the rigors of wind, rain, heat, and hungry predators. Construction of the hollow columns allows for internal circulation of air from the cooler soil at the base of the mound to the warmer top. This clever ventilation provides a central air-conditioning system that enables the colony to remain relatively cool even when the external temperatures are very hot.

Defense Mechanisms

When there is a breach in the nest, nasute soldiers pour out to defend the colony.[4] Termite soldier castes can be distinguished by their dark brown head and elongated, tubular snout called a nasus. The termites are able to shoot chemicals out of the long, horn-like snout. The secretions are able to entangle, irritate and repel invaders. If a human were to stick their finger in the mound, it would be covered in the defensive fluid.

References
  1. "Definition of TRIODIA". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  2. "BBC - Earth - 12 nests you won't believe were made by insects". January 13, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  3. Sydney, University of. "How cathedral termites got to Australia to build their 'sky-scrapers'". phys.org. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  4. Australian cathedral termites, retrieved 2021-09-29
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.