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Cubitermes fungifaber M10

contributed by CRCA Toulouse

This Cubitermes nest (probably a Cubitermes fungifaber) presents externally the « mushroom shaped » appearance typical of Cubitermes nests. It is thought (Guy Josens, personal communication) that the external shape of the nest represents an adaptation to confer protection against heavy rain: the top “hat” would act as a sort of umbrella that protects the nest walls …

Cubitermes sp M9

contributed by CRCA Toulouse

This Cubitermes nest presents externally the « mushroom shaped » appearance typical of Cubitermes nests. Inside, the nest is fully packed with oval chambers, all similar in size, interconnected by very short and narrow corridors. These narrow corridors might serve a defence purpose. In fact, some specialised termites in the colony -the soldiers- defend the colony from …