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Mastotermes darwiniensis

Mastotermes darwiniensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Infraorder: Isoptera
Family: Mastotermitidae
Genus: Mastotermes
Species:
M. darwiniensis
Binomial name
Mastotermes darwiniensis
Froggatt, 1897

Mastotermes darwiniensis, common names giant northern termite and Darwin termite, is a termite species found only in northern Australia. It is the most primitive extant termite species.[1] Contrary to common belief, this species does not form mounds as the nests are subterranean and inconspicuous.[2] Colonies will readily occupy and infest decomposing wood but primarily live in a complex subterranean network of tunnels and galleries which they use to travel to new food sites. Colonies may eventually split and form isolated satellite colonies.[2]

  1. ^ [1] Tree of Life Web Project. 2003. Isoptera. Termites. Version 1 January 2003 (temporary). http://tolweb.org/Isoptera/8212/2003.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
  2. ^ a b "Giant Northern Termite (Mastotermes darwiniensis)".

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