Condominium by wysiwig

Photography • Insects • posted on Aug 20, 2012

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Description

Kenya has a truly mind boggling array of life from large to almost microscopic. While I didn't have the opportunity to search for the smaller creatures, they do leave traces. Everyone knows about termites but few have ever seen how they live in the wild. In tropical savannas termites build mounds (known as termitaria) that can reach heights of up to 9meters (30 feet high). This one was rather small running about one meter (three feet) in height. Termites are easily gathered at the beginning of the rainy season when they swarm, as they are attracted to lights and can be gathered up when they land on nets put up around a lamp. They are best gently roasted on a hot plate or lightly fried until slightly crisp, producing a nutty flavor. I am told they are quite nutricious.

Comments (9)

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durleybeachbum

12:41AM | Mon, 20 August 2012

Well, well. Termite snacks. Funny how we Caucasions have an aversion to insects as food. I love this photo. The peace of the scene belies the frantic hum of life beneath the surface.

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photosynthesis

1:01AM | Mon, 20 August 2012

A fascinating structure - would love to see one of the 30 foot high versions. Not eager to find out what they taste like, but I suppose if I was hungry enough...