Cathedral termite mound cast

Cathedral termite mounds are conspicuous and common in the landscape of the Northern Territory in Australia. They are built by Spinifex Termites (Nasutitermes triodiae), which are social insects, living as a colony within each mound. Cathedral termite mounds are built with soil, termite saliva and droppings. Their shape varies across different parts of northern Australia, for unknown reasons. Within the mound, worker termites create a network of passages as well as food-storage and living chambers. The Spinifex Termite feeds on harvested dead grass, which it stores in large amounts in the mound. As the colony grows in number, the mound is continually expanded. Mounds can reach up to 7 metres in height and may remain for as long as 80 years.