Ancient Termite Metropolis Visible from Space Discovered in Brazil

Researchers have uncovered a vast network of termite mounds in northeastern Brazil, spanning 88,000 square miles—nearly the size of Great Britain, Earth.com reported. Built by Syntermes dirus termites over 4,000 years, the 200 million cone-shaped mounds are waste dumps from underground tunneling. Each mound, averaging 8.2 feet tall, represents 65 cubic yards of displaced soil—totaling 4,000 times the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The termites’ grid-like spacing (65 feet apart) results from energy-efficient digging, not territorial conflict. Satellite imagery and drone surveys revealed the astonishing scale, while mineral dating confirmed mounds as old as 3,820 years. Unlike African termite towers, these structures lack chambers, serving solely as clay disposal sites.

The discovery highlights how small creatures can reshape landscapes through decentralized cooperation. The study, published in Current Biology, underscores termites’ role as ecosystem engineers in arid regions.