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''Nasutitermes
''Nasutitermes'' is a genus of termites with a tropical distribution world-wide.
Species
The ''Termite Catalogue'' lists the following:
# '' Nasutitermes acajutlae''
# '' Nasutitermes acangussu''
# '' Nasutitermes acutus''
# '' Nasutitermes ...
triodiae'', also known as the cathedral termite
Termites are small insects that live in colonies and have distinct castes (eusocial) and feed on wood or other dead plant matter. Termites comprise the infraorder Isoptera, or alternatively the epifamily Termitoidae, within the order Blattode ...
, is a grass-eating species of Nasutitermitinae
The Nasutitermitinae are a subfamily of higher termites that includes more than 80 genera. They are most recognisable by the more highly derived soldier caste which exhibits vestigial mandibles and a protruding fontanellar process on the head ...
termite that can be found in Northern Territory
The Northern Territory (commonly abbreviated as NT; formally the Northern Territory of Australia) is an states and territories of Australia, Australian territory in the central and central northern regions of Australia. The Northern Territory ...
, Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
. It is also sometimes referred to as the spinifex termite, since it is found in the spinifex (also known as ''Triodia'') grasslands. Very little research has been done on the underground nature of this species.
Description and behaviour
Mounds
''Nasutitermes triodiae'' mostly live inNorthern Territory
The Northern Territory (commonly abbreviated as NT; formally the Northern Territory of Australia) is an states and territories of Australia, Australian territory in the central and central northern regions of Australia. The Northern Territory ...
, Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
. They are known for their skill at building "cathedrals". 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. Constructed from mud, plant parts, and termite saliva and feces
Feces ( or faeces), known colloquially and in slang as poo and poop, are the solid or semi-solid remains of food that was not digested in the small intestine, and has been broken down by bacteria in the large intestine. Feces contain a relati ...
, 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. Termite soldiercaste
Caste is a form of social stratification characterised by endogamy, hereditary transmission of a style of life which often includes an occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy, and customary social interaction and exclusion based on cultura ...
s can be distinguished by their dark brown head and elongated, tubular snout called a nasus. The termites create and store a mixture of monoterpene
Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units and have the molecular formula C10H16. Monoterpenes may be linear (acyclic) or contain rings (monocyclic and bicyclic). Modified terpenes, such as those containing oxygen funct ...
s, sesquiterpene
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and often have the molecular formula C15H24. Like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes may be cyclic or contain rings, including many unique combinations. Biochemical modificatio ...
s and diterpenes which can then be ejected from their long, horn-like nasus. 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.
Diet
''Nasutitermes triodiae'' often feed on ''Triodia'', which are common in the grasslands where they can be found. It doesn't matter if the plant material is living or dead. To avoid the heat and sunlight, the termites create tube-like structures of mud toward their food source. These tubes are then built around the grass, where the spinifex is then consumed. The hollow tubes left behind are used to reach the other blades of grass.References
Insects of Australia triodiae {{Termite-stub