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Termites

Photo by AlbertKang
Published on Project Noah
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4.47166, 101.37

Field Notes

Description:

Termites

Habitat:

Tropical forest, high altitude

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
AlbertKang
We didn't really look thoroughly for the nest as they were found on a big fallen tree trunk. I think it is possible they are nesting in the tree trunk. And yes, at first I thought they were ants due to their dark colours and like you mentioned, usually they are paler in colours.
LaurenZarate
Usually termites are pale because they are always underground or in their nests or tunnels. I think it is neat that these were wandering around outside and are also dark in color. Was there any kind of nest visible? I can hardly wait to try Karen's suggestion of making them follow an ink trail! What fun…..
AlbertKang
Thanks for the tips/info, @Karen. Was just taking pics of them, didn't think of 'playing' with them :D
MrsPbio
Our termites here in Florida are fun to play with if you have a blue BIC brand ball-point pen. Gather some termites in a small jar. Take a piece of paper and draw a simple line design... try a large spiral. Dump out the termites at the beginning of the spiral and watch them follow your trail. Apparently the ink in the pen has a chemical similar to the pheromones termites use to navigate. They are blind, so they'll just follow, follow, follow...... lol!
AlbertKang
Not sure, @Lauren. At first, I thought they were ants but they looks more like termite. They were just out and about doing their own thing. Found them on a fallen tree along the trail and all of them were scurrying around just like ants.

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Photographed
PublishedJune 21, 2015

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