Nasutiterminae shelter tubes (on Grey Gum)

Description:

Termite (Nasutiterminae) shelter tubes on "grey gum" (Eucalyptus sp., possibly E. major, punctata or propinqua) provide cover for the trail from nest to forest floor. This tube runs the full length of the tree from its base to canopy, but no nest at the top could be seen. No evidence of recent use as the tube is degraded in sections, and no termites to be seen. Last two photos in series show spider webs where tube structure is crumbling. First two photos in series show thin surface bark stripped away from trunk, but still attached to the mud. I have seen tubes in the past at other locations, and it always seems to be confined to one of the grey gum species of eucalypt. This was the only spotting seen today.

Habitat:

Found along the lake's edge of the Enoggera Reservoir, on the Araucaria Track. Open eucalypt bushland. Sunny aspect, although dry conditions at present due to little rainfall.

Notes:

Please note the scratches on the bark. This is possibly caused by lace monitor lizards (goannas) as they climb the tree trunk http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lace_monito... and it is most likely that the trail and bark was dislodged by a lizard. However, grey gum is also one of the favoured food trees of the koala. Deep scratches are one of the telltale signs of koalas climbing trees. SHELTER TUBES - Termites are weak and relatively fragile insects that need to stay moist to survive. They can be overpowered by ants and other predators when exposed. They avoid these perils by covering their trails with tubing made of feces, plant matter, saliva and soil. Thus the termites can remain hidden and wall out unfavourable environmental conditions. Sometimes these shelter tubes will extend for many metres, such as up the outside of a tree reaching from the soil to dead branches. (Wikipedia)