From: giraffe@longneck.inc (giraffe~⇔)
Newsgroups: alt.binaries.pictures.artpics
Subject: Re: Critters - - KitchenBert_AndSoTheyBuild02-iej.jpg -- Termite Mound
Date: Wed, 08 Nov 2000 02:57:22 GMT

>*
>*From a educational book for children
>*And So They Build
>*Written & illustrated by Bert Kitchen
>*
>*ISBN 1-56402-502-0


KitchenBert_AndSoTheyBuild02-iej

Cubiterme termites are in danger of
getting drenched and so they build ...

Cubiterme termites are often called white ants,
but are actually more closely related to cock-
roaches. Some cubitermes, living in parts of
West Africa where there is heavy rainfall, have
developed an ingenious way of keeping their nests
dry.

The workers of a colony build one or more columns
out of tiny pellets of soil cemented together with
saliva. The building begins below ground and
extends above to a height of around eighteen inches.
Inside is an intricate system of living chambers,
brood cells, food storage areas, and vents for
controlling the temperature.

The final touch is exceptional. Each column is
capped with an umbrella-shaped roof, which serves
to divert torrential rain and protect the termites
living below.