| Mastotermes darwiniensis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific 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] 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/
- ^ a b "Giant Northern Termite (Mastotermes darwiniensis)".