The temperatures within and around two Coptotermes lacteus mounds located in a cleared and shaded forest site in a dry sclerophyll forest in central Gippsland were monitored. Hourly temperature measurements were recorded at each mound over a 24 h period in spring, summer and winter respectively. Regardless of site, Coptotermes lacteus maintained the core temperatures in the nursery area much higher than that of the soil and well above that of the enveloping air. The termites maintained this difference within fine limits on a daily scale, while the seasonal change was more marked. Other aspects of temperature and thermoregulatory capabilities of this forest termite are explored.

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