TERMITES

WHAT IS A TERMITES?
Termites are fascinating insects that play a crucial role in ecosystems. Let’s delve into some termite information:

Overview:
  • Termites are detritophagous eusocial insects that primarily consume decaying plant material, including wood, leaf litter, and soil humus.
  • They are often referred to as “white ants,” but they are not ants; they are more closely related to cockroaches.
  • Approximately 2,972 extant species of termites have been described, with most belonging to the family Termitidae.
  • Termites fall within the infraorder Isoptera and are part of the order Blattodea (along with cockroaches).


  • Life Cycle and Castes:
  • Termites exhibit an incomplete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, nymph, and adult stages.
  • Their colonies are considered superorganisms, functioning as self-governing entities.
  • The castes within a termite colony include:

  • Workers: These soft-bodied, often unpigmented individuals feed on wood and perform essential tasks.
    Soldiers: Distinct from workers, they defend the colony.
    Queen and King: The reproductive pair responsible for colony growth.
    Alates: Winged reproductive termites that participate in swarming and establishing new colonies.
    Eggs and Larvae: Nurtured by workers.

  • Unlike ants, termite colonies begin with a sexually mature king and queen, forming a lifelong monogamous pair.


  • Superorganisms:
  • Termite colonies are often described as superorganisms due to collective behaviors.
  • These self-governing entities exhibit complex interactions within the colony itself.


  • Damage and Importance:
  • Termites are silent destroyers, capable of chewing through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper without detection.
  • They cause over $5 billion in property damage annually, costs not covered by homeowners’ insurance.
  • Despite their destructive potential, termites also contribute to breaking down dead timber and vegetation in ecosystems.


  • Remember, while termites can wreak havoc on human structures, they are essential for ecological balance. If you encounter termite activity, seek professional assistance to protect your home and appreciate these remarkable insects.
    KING & QUEEN
    At least one king and queen at the centre of every termite colony, the queen’s responsible for reproduce. Some live for as long as 30 years. The Queen may lay as many as 3,000 eggs per day.

     
    WORKERS
    Workers are blind, wingless responsible to maintain the colony exp: Build and repair the nest and earthen shelter tubes, forage for food and taking care of members in colony.They are the most numerous caste and the most likely to be found inside infested wood.

     
    SOLDIERS
    Soldiers defend the colony against attack by predatory enemies such as ants, and are equipped with large jaws (mandibles).

     
    WINGED REPRODUCTIVE’S
    These termites will eventually leave the colony as adult Swarmers “Male and females” & they shed their wings to mate if suitable environment located. They are often confused with ant swarmers.