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These eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) workers and soldiers were underneath I rock I overturned, some distance I should say, from my house, which I am happy to report is made of stone.

Like all creatures we call pests, outside of the human context termites are normal and positive parts of the ecosystem. They consume dead wood and other cellulose-laden litter, recycling the waste of the forest into new soil. Social insects which form huge colonies, they act as an endlessly renewing food source for small predators and insectivores. This species is the most common and abundant termite species in North America, and the only one found in New England. It has previously appeared in this blog as 365 urban species #113, wherein I scoffed at the danger to New England structures posed by this creature. Now that I've worked in the industry for several years, I'm no longer so cynical about the motives of pest control operators.

Date: 2011-04-22 10:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] callipygian80.livejournal.com
We turned over a rock a few weeks ago and saw the same thing. My son was delighted to see them all squirming, and I thought it was pretty cool, too.

Unfortunately with our last house, our discovery of termites outside of the house coincided with us discovering them in the house, too. I'm always on the lookout.

Date: 2011-04-22 01:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] urbpan.livejournal.com
A perimeter treatment wouldn't be a bad idea.

Date: 2011-04-22 02:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] callipygian80.livejournal.com
Good idea. Also, love the icon :o) Dale's Dead Bug.

Date: 2011-04-23 03:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] drhoz.livejournal.com
in New England? I'm amazed

Date: 2011-04-23 11:34 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] urbpan.livejournal.com
That we have termites, or that we have only one species?

Date: 2011-04-25 12:33 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] drhoz.livejournal.com
that you have them at all up there, given the winters

Date: 2011-04-25 01:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] urbpan.livejournal.com
I guess they overwinter pretty far underground, and probably only the reproductives survive.

Date: 2011-04-26 10:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] drhoz.livejournal.com
seems likely

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