Termites!

Gene worked all week, so no real “touristy” notes, but Saturday we went bush. Saw beautiful rugged countryside and these big mounds of grass-eating termites. There are thousands of termite species in Australia. A few eat wood in buildings, but most are in grasslands like this picture and eat grass instead of wood. Reminded us of last year’s Outback trip near Darwin which I’ll reminisce with you (my apologies if you’re young enough to still remember last year's note). The next two pictures are of the Magnetic Termite mounds. This is the only place in AU these live. They orient North-South in a wedge shape. Their mounds are built in flood planes. Because they build on flood planes, they can't burrow under the ground for protection from the elements –even during extreme heat and cold; therefore they move to the East face for warmth in the morning and the West for warmth in the afternoon during the "cold" months, and the opposite during the heat. We checked this against a compass and it was right on, although some may vary due to wind patterns. If they get it wrong the whole colony dies. This area looked like a cemetery with rows of granite monuments. I stand amazed at my Father Creator!
The Cathedral termite (photo just above) lives under ground but builds a huge (5-6 meters tall) cathedral-looking mound. They eat mostly grass and mix the "food" with saliva to deposit in making this cement-like structure with "cubbies" to put the uneaten food.
The last picture (left) is of the Tree Mound Termites which build their mounds against the base of the tree and proceed to hollow out the tree. These dead trees are easy to spot and are used for making the Aboriginal musical instruments, Didgeriedoos.
It has been scientifically estimated that there are 100 tonnes (A tonne = 1000 Kg or .9842 of our Ton) of termite hill material (mounds) above the ground in each hectare (2.47 acres).