Find Nonhuman Teachers 3: Termites:

  • Find Nonhuman Teachers 3: Termites
  • Find Nonhuman Teachers 3: Termites
  • Macrotermes natalensis mounds
  • Macrotermes natalensis mound
  • Fungus farm inside of Macrotermes natalensis mound.
  • Cross section of Macrotermes natalensis mound showing air vents.
  • Detail of a termite fungus garden. Termites have been farming fungus for 25 million years!

When people ask us who our favorite architect is, it’s a no-brainer: Termites!  Not knocking 'ol Zumthor, Hadid, Aalto or Schindler, but termites have them all beat. These little freaks build the largest nonhuman structures on Earth, which in human terms are the equivalent height of four stacked Burj Khalifas (the world's tallest skyscraper)!  Nearly 11,000 feet tall, and fully air-conditioned using a complex system of chimney ducts at that.  

Some species of termite are also known for having a digestive endosymbiotic relationship with a monophyletic white rot fungus, a shroom that termites farm within the microhabitat of their ancient mounds, some of which are believed to be in excess of 4000 years old!  

We now know that these ancient fungus farms help to accelerate the decomposition and transfer of nutrients and energy to a wider food web by transforming soils into resource hotspots for other organisms in places where they otherwise wouldn’t be. This tee shows a cross-section of a Macrotermes natalensis mound with its intricate air ducts for creating optimal temperature and humidity conditions for farming fungi. 

Note: T-shirt is reversible, so no tag.  NHT text printed on the inside.  UV reactive ink on front makes secret message appear in the sun ...3 shirts for the price of 1 ?!

Best quality, ethically made and 100% silkscreened in Los Angeles, US

Regular price $54.00

Materials:

100% heavy cotton, 6.5oz in Pupa.

Sizing:

SIZE BODY LENGTH CHEST WIDTH SLEEVE LENGTH
S
27 1/2"
19" 8 1/8"
M
28 1/2"
21"
8 3/8"
L
29 1/2"
23"
8 5/8"
XL
30 1/2"
25"
8 7/8"
XXL
31 1/2"
27"
9 1/8"

Year:

2023