Termites: a run down
Termites (Isoptera) are fully eusocial insects: they possess different castes, cooperate in raising young, and have overlapping generations within a colony (Abe et al. 2000). Morphology and anatomical adaptations vary by caste. Reproductive individuals such as queens and kings have structures to aid in fercundity or dispersal, workers have structures to allow foraging and construction of nests, and defense structures such as mandibles or chemical squirts are present in those of the soldier caste (Heinrich 2009).
There are over 2600 discovered species of termites, and the greatest diversity can be found in Africa, with around 1000 species present. Mature colonies can house populations of several hundred to several million individuals that are able to communicate between each other through the use of chemical, acoustical and tactile signalling. (Abe et al. 2000).
Termites, in combination with fungi, greatly contribute to the recycling of wood or plant material. Termite tunneling and construction behaviours aids in aeration of soil and enrichment of minerals.
There are over 2600 discovered species of termites, and the greatest diversity can be found in Africa, with around 1000 species present. Mature colonies can house populations of several hundred to several million individuals that are able to communicate between each other through the use of chemical, acoustical and tactile signalling. (Abe et al. 2000).
Termites, in combination with fungi, greatly contribute to the recycling of wood or plant material. Termite tunneling and construction behaviours aids in aeration of soil and enrichment of minerals.