The Inhabitants of/on the Termite mound
This is the termite mound in front of the Bhoomi office. If you have visited our Bhoomi campus, this towering 6-foot natural structure is something you definitely wouldn’t miss. The sheer magnificence sparks curiosity—after all, how often do you see a termite mound thriving in a space where humans coexist?
On closer look, you begin to appreciate the beauty of the mound - the intricate textures and the subtle variations.
Some areas of the mound are smooth and undisturbed, while others are rough, marked by tiny crevices and cracks carved by rainwater streaming down its surface. In certain spots, a soft, velvety texture emerges as moss takes root, a patch of mild green on the surface. These varied textures create micro habitats, providing a home for tiny insects and showcasing the intricate interplay between nature and its elements.
The folds of the termite mound are a safe spot for various insects and spiders. One of these folds was inhabited by multiple cellar spiders, which stirred with the slightest disturbance. Upon closer inspection of their webs, tiny grape-like egg sacs could be seen hanging delicately, while other webs cradled clusters of spiderlings huddled together. Within an hour, these spiderlings began to disperse, resembling delicate teak tree flowers suspended in the silken threads of their web—a mesmerizing glimpse into nature’s intricate cycles.
The intricate texture of the termite mound, with its tiny crevices, becomes a thriving microhabitat for various life forms. Flies from the compost pit land on the mound, using it as a site for mating. Shield bug nymphs scuttle through the narrow crevices, while an unidentified insect peeks out cautiously from a tiny hole in a thicker section of the mound – so much of action and mystery!
The mound hosts an array of other lifeforms, leaving behind subtle tracks and signs of their presence. Shiny trails on the surface, created by slugs, stand out. These trails form as the slugs glide over the mound, secreting mucus that dries upon exposure to air, leaving a glistening path. What draws a slug to climb a termite mound? Perhaps it seeks decaying leaves nestled in the folds or simply explores for decomposing matter.
At the base of the mound, tiny black-and-white clusters—the droppings of geckos—tell another story. These agile creatures hunt small prey on the mound’s surface, retreating to safer crevices after their meal. Together, these traces reveal the interconnected lives thriving around the mound.
After observing all these intricate interactions, one might wonder, “Who truly owns the termite mound?” Does it belong to the termites dwelling deep inside, hidden underground, or to the diverse inhabitants thriving on its surface? This thought invites a deeper reflection:
Do we make space for other life forms in our own homes? Are we willing to embrace and coexist with the creatures that share our world
-----
Jayarakesh, Nature Educator & Mentor, Teach for Nature