|
|
|
|
 |
|
Termites of Northern Australia
Termite mounds are a distinctive feature of northern Australia, and the role of termites is crucial to ecosystems in this part of the world.
More than 100 species of termites inhabit northern Australia, but little is known about many of these.
This book discusses termite societies and their role in the ecosystem, and outlines some of the Aboriginal uses of termites. It also outlines in greater detail the species of termites most likely to be encountered and recognised.
Termites of Northern Australia is an attractively illustrated popular account for anyone interested in these fascinating insects, and will be useful to many thousands of people - tourists, students, amateur naturalists and researchers, who visit northern Australia each year and marvel at termites.
Media release images
NOTE: These images are no longer available for download.
Please contact the Communication Coordinator to organise copies.
 |
Photo credit: Barbara McKaige
caption: Giant mounds of the Cathedral Termite Nasutitermes triodiae are among the largest in the world. India (left) and Lucien McKaige next to a cathedral mound in Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory |
 |
Photo credit: Ben Hoffmann
caption: Ben Hoffmann (left) and Jon Schatz from Darwin next to a 6 metre plus giant cathedral mound in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. |
 |
Photo credit: Adam Liedloff
caption: Termite mound colour is determined by soil type. Plains termite mounds Amitermes vitiosus, such as the one pictured, can be found in the Victoria River District south-west of Darwin in the Northern Territory. |
 |
Photo credit: Adam Liedloff
caption: A Giant Northern Termite Mastotermes darwiniensis worker. Giant Northern Termites are easily Australia’s most destructive termite, and are probably the most economically important insect pest in northern Australia. Recent estimates indicate that if control measures were not applied, this termite would cost the horticultural industry in excess of $10 million per year in the NT alone. |
 |
Photo credit: Adam Liedloff
caption: A Giant Northern Termite Mastotermes darwiniensis soldier. Giant Northern Termites are easily Australia’s most destructive termite, and are probably the most economically important insect pest in northern Australia. Recent estimates indicate that if control measures were not applied, this termite would cost the horticultural industry in excess of $10 million per year in the NT alone. |
 |
Photo credit: Leigh Hunt
caption: In drier regions of northern Australia, termite mounds can exist in very high densities. |
|
Cover Image: David Curl
|
|
|
|
|
