Dry rot

I had a lovely yarn last night to a dear friend who is in exile at the moment. Incarcerated in our fine national capital. This is for you, V!

I snapped this pic on a recent trip to the WA wheatbelt (I had the most wonderful time by the way - go if you can. There is so much to see). It's taken at Sanford Rocks, near Westonia, in salmon gum woodland. It shows termite tunnels, where they have totally demolished twigs and branches on the surface of the ground.

In more arid regions, like at Sanford Rocks, termites often take on the role that fungi does in higher rainfall areas, breaking down wood and leaf litter. Relatively undisturbed sites, like Sanford Rocks, are also home to the trapdoor spiders (Mygalomorphs) and the endearing but intimidating bulldog ants. But more of that later...