Termite (superfamily Termitoidea) species

Many people are reporting termite mounds.  Most termites are not mound builders, but there are only two species of mound building termites in the ACT and their mounds are easily identified. In the higher, colder parts of the ACT, Coptotermes lacteus, the Milk Termite, builds a hard, strong mound.  Some of these mounds can also be seen on Black Mt, and, more rarely, other lowland sites. In the lower, warmer areas of the ACT (below about 850m) nearly all mounds are of Nasutitermes exitiosus, which is in the Gluegun Termite genus.  Their mounds are softer so that if you kick one it will leave a visible mark or even a depression. These are the mounds in which both local species of goannas lay their eggs.  There are additional distinguishing features between the mounds, such as shape and colour, but hardness is the most reliable.  

The soldier termites are also easy to distinguish.  Coptotermes soldiers have clearly visible jaws. Nasutitermes soldiers have a 'gluegun' snout, appearing as a smooth sharp protrusion, with no visible jaws (except under magnification).