Sand-transport

Guides

• Gnathamitermes perplexus

  tube-building termite, long-jawed desert termite

  Gnathamitermes perplexus is a desert-dwelling termite species known for constructing distinctive sand tubes and for its elongated mandibles. Workers and colony founders transport sand individually using their mandibles to excavate tunnels, a behavior that differs from the cooperative "bucket-brigade" kicking seen in some related termites. The species occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it contributes to soil enrichment and decomposition of dead wood. Populations have been observed to decline following application of certain termiticides, particularly fipronil.

  desert-termitetube-building-behaviorsand-transportsoil-excavationtermiticide-sensitivityArizona-faunanon-pest-termitecollective-constructiontermite-behaviorAmitermitinae