These termites were found in a rotting palette, at the old Quarry at Mandeni, underneath some ceramic pavers. This typical of their nests, which are in the timber or underground, avoiding the light. This species is widespread throughout Australia and is thought to cause more damage to houses than any other species.

The soldier termite has a black head, with large opposing jaws, which is the distinguishing characteristic of the species. The other ones shown are worker termites.

They are photographed here on a mm grid for scale. Because they ran way from the light, they were chilled in the freezer to slow them down, which is why they look like they’re curled up and shivering.

Click on any picture to download a higher resolution image (T.Hastings 9/9/2009).