Termites , White Ants Order Isoptera
What do they look like ? Small ( 3 – 12 mm long ), soft , pale-bodied colonial insects , with no eyes , usually encountered in large numbers . Soldier Termites usually have an enlarged , dark brown head with either large jaws ( like an ant ’ s ) or a nozzle on the front end . There are many species . Often called ‘ white ants ’, they are unrelated to ants , and more closely related to cockroaches .
Where do they live ? Various species occur in all habitat types across the region . Some species are restricted to certain habitats such as spinifex country .
What do they need to live , eat and breed ? Termites are very susceptible to drying out , and usually remain hidden during the day . Most species feed on grasses , but a few can feed on dry timber . These are the ones that can pose a threat to wooden structures .
When might I see ( or hear ) them ? The most obvious local species are those that build above-ground termite nests . Some species don ’ t build obvious nests while others nest in trees . Mud coloured tunnels on the outside of timber are Termite ‘ tracks ’. During late spring / early summer rainfall , millions of winged reproductive Termites , called ‘ alates ’ emerge to breed . These swam around lights at night , not necessarily any cause for alarm as most species are grass-eaters and pose no threat to infrastructure . Mostly , Termites are only seen when cutting timber , moving logs or when they attack timber structures .
What management actions affect this species ? Maintaining a wide variety of vegetation on the property will help ensure a variety of species can occur and maintain overall ecosystem balance . Control measures are only necessary when wood-eating species attack infrastructure .
How do they benefit the land I manage ? Termites are absolutely critical to the function of woodland and soil ecology and are particularly important in arid ecosystems . By consuming live and dead grasses , and burying much organic material , they create soil , increase soil fertility , enhance water infiltration and reduce erosion . They are a vital food source for countless species of native fauna including other insects , frogs , reptiles , birds and mammals . Termites hollow out trees , which is vital for the survival of many of our hollow-dependant species . The value of a diverse and healthy Termite population cannot be overstated .
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