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Clearing the yard
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Irmgard Kaiser (kessi)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 83 W: 5 N: 74]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (221) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-05-31 |
| Categories: Insects |
| Camera: Canon PowerShot A700 |
| Exposure: f/2.8, 1/60 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2007-06-17 18:01 |
| Viewed: 808 |
| Points: 8 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
I noticed a round bare patch in the grass. On looking closer this termite was very busy cutting away at the grass blades and carrying the pieces to the helper peering out of the hole. The helper would take the cutting, disappear for a moment and then reappear to await the next blade to take into the nest.
Harvester termites The family Hodotermitidae are very common and widespread throughout Africa. They are notorious for the damage they do to pastures and lawns. About five different species are found on the continent and, although they differ in size and colour, they are all very much alike in their feeding and nesting habits.
Most of the harvesters do not build a mound above the surface.The position of the nest is revealed by small scattered heaps of loose soil about 25mm high. Each has a tunnel running through the centre, through which the termites transport the soil particles they remove when excavating their home beneath the ground. The little heaps of soil are soon blown away by the wind and then the only sign of the underground nest is the entrance hole.
An attribute that is unique to this family is the fact that workers have eyes and horny, brown skin. These workers come out to the surface to cut and collect the grass that forms their food.
The grass and other food is cut up and carried to the entrance holes on the veld. There it is piled in heaps until it can be carried below. (Reference: African Insect Life by S.H. Skaife)
Technical: Cropped and sharpened with Photoshop Elements 2. |
trinko, cicindela, Silke has marked this note useful
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- trinko
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 593 W: 79 N: 323]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(4314) - [2007-06-17 18:52]
- [+]
interesting subject good focus.
Hi Irmgard!
Wow! this is really rare group of insects here on TN! So bravo for showing something new and interesting (as the entomologist I really like to watch such presentation ;>).
DOF is really nice, I can clearly se all details of the soldier specimen. I like also that the photo was taken in the natural habitat, just in the front of the colony :)
Many thanks for showing this picture and best greetings from Poland!
Radomir
Hello Irmgard,
This is so interesting! It's better than watching the television! You have cropped this well to show the scenario. Good detail of termite!
Kind regards,
Bev :-)
Hi Irmgard.
This is a great composition letting us peer down through the grass for a behaviour shot of these termites. Focus is sharp where needed and thats on the one busy outside. I like the grass in the front being soft, makes a natural frame around your images and the soft background still allows us to see the other termite and their hole in the ground without distracting the interest point of what the one outside is doing.
Wonderful
Kathleen
New Zealand
