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Termite Fairy Circle?

Description:

South African "Fairy Circles" have recently been shown to be caused by a species of small subterranean termite (Psammotermes of the Rhinotermitidae). This genus in not found in the Americas, however Mexico does have other genera and species of Rhinotermitidae which could live in our deserts. This circle has all the characteristics of a termite circle: very evenly circular, no evidence of entrance holes and a fringe of prominent grasses around the perimeter. This circle was approximately 1.5 meters in diameter. Underground ant nest "circles" were also present (last picture) but these were irregular in outline, had tiny trails leading in and out, were full of tiny rocks and sand that had been excavated, had visible entrance hole(s) and did not have the prominent tuft of grasses around the perimeter.

Habitat:

Semi-desert of central mexico. Dry central esplanade of the Toltec Ruins of Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Notes:

This should be investigated.

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LaurenZarate
Spotted by
LaurenZarate

Hidalgo, Mexico

Spotted on Feb 18, 2013
Submitted on Apr 14, 2013

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