Tree termite facts for kids

Nasutitermes walkeri, commonly known as the tree termite, is a species of arboreal termite found in eastern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland, Australia.

Description

The soldier termites of this species have rounded heads, long straight mandibles and yellowish-brown bodies. They are between 5 and 7 mm (0.20 and 0.28 in) long.

Distribution and habitat

Nasutitermes walkeri is endemic to eastern Australia where it is found in eastern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland. It is found in mountains and near the coast, mostly in scrubland and wooded areas.

Behaviour

The nests of Nasutitermes walkeri are initially established in the crowns of trees at sites where there is some damage to the timber from fire or decay. A more substantial nest is later constructed higher up, sometimes as high as 20 m (66 ft) above the ground. The outside of the nest has a thin, papery surface and the internal structure is also fragile. The termites feed mainly at ground level and they create tubes down the trunk of the tree and then surface tubes or subterranean passages through the soil to reach damp or rotting timbers. These termites only feeds on moist timber and this may be at some distance from the nest tree. They will attack fence posts and poles but seldom damage woodwork in houses unless there is decay.