Cathedral Termite Mounds Darwin

Cathedral termite mounds are found across northern Australia. They often reach 15 feet in height, with most of the mound being underground. Termites build the mound in a north-south orientation to reduce the exposure to the sun. Inside the mound is an extensive system of tunnels and conduits used as a ventilation system for the underground nest. This is a spheroidal mound with many chimneys or ventilation holes. Mounds in the picture are 50 years old or more. No termite is in charge of building these complex structures. We do not know how the termites know to build such a complex climate controlled mound. These termites eat grass and dead plants. The soil near the termite mound is very rich in nutrients, so vegetation grows near the mounds, which the animals enjoy. I have 2 more types of termites to discuss, in future posts.