Some termites build large structures like these where they live
Termites are asuborder ofsocialinsects, theIsoptera. They are sometimes called"whiteants", incorrectly, because ants belong to the OrderHymenoptera.
They areeusocial animals, as are ants and somebees andwasps. Termites mostly feed on detritus, mostly wood, leaf litter, soil, or animal dung. There are an estimated 4,000 species (about 2,600 taxonomically known). About 10% arepests which can cause serious structural damage tobuildings, crops or plantationforests.
Termites are majordetrivores in thesubtropical andtropical regions. Their recycling of wood and other plant matter is very important forecology.
A termitecolony starts when winged termites (calledalates) swarm and mate. After mating, they fall to the ground and rip off theirwings. The female looks for a good place to start the colony, and the male follows her. Most termites nest underground their entire lives, but termites inAfrica andAustralia actually build really big mound structures that look like littlemountains and can be more than 20 feet tall (see photo below).
Termites live in colonies that, at maturity, hold from several hundred to several million individuals. They are a prime example self-organised systems which useswarm intelligence. They use this cooperation to exploit food sources and environments which would not be available to any single insect acting alone. A typical colony containsnymphs (semi-mature young), workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals of both genders, sometimes containing several egg-laying queens.
