Black Termite

Thanks for the ident. martin

"...recent genetic evidence strongly suggests that termites evolved directly from true cockroaches, and many authors now place them as an "epifamily" of cockroaches.." - Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach

They do look like termites as ants should have bent antennae and a narrow waist (with a petiole, or stem). Termites are ancient, like cockroaches and do not undergo metamorphosis as ants do. But why are they brown? And why are they outdoors? Well, I did find reference to a brown termite http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_north... Oh no! reading further it comes from the order Blattaria (cockroaches). So much for reliable references.

Thank you for your suggestion Marinus

They sure seem interested in that timber. mMMmmm wood :-)