I wanted to avoid water propping it because of the tough transition back to soil (and because it would be quite a long cutting, I was worried it might drop leaves). That's why I wanted to try air layering :)

So cool and strange looking at the same time, thanks for sharing!

I always love the "now in the British Museum" line... Interesting how things end up there! 😐

From the article:

The termite “puppet” may help the beetle evade detection—though termites are blind, they sense one another through touch. The beetle may also absorb unique chemicals called cuticular hydrocarbons from the termites or produce similar compounds in order to enhance the perception that it is a termite as well.

That is answered in the original post, the author is just doing this for fun and learning. :)