Magnetic termite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a the head of soldier of the magnetic termite. With large jaws the soldier caste are modified to defend the colony. Amitermes meridionalis, commonly known as the magnetic termite or compass termite, is a species of eusocial insect in the family Termitidae. It is endemic to northern Australia and the common names derive from the fact that the wedge-shaped mound is aligned with its main axis running north and south. Magnification: x80 when printed at 10 centimetres wide