Termite Behavior & Biology

Termites are soft-bodied insects from the order Isoptera, meaning wings of equal length. The orderlsopterais also the onlyinsect orderto be comprised solely of social insects. As social insects, termites sub-divide their colonies into separate classes, or castes. These castes play separate and important roles in the survival ofthe species.

Because of these social behaviors, termites have been strongly associated with ants and have even been referred to as "white ants." This misnomer could not he farther from the truth. There are several features that can be used to distinguish ants from termites. Termites are actually believed to be descendants of early cockroaches. Fossil records have been found of termites as far back as 100 million years. All in all there are approximately 2200 known species living today throughout the world.

Termites are also the most important insects from an ecological and economic standpoint. Their main purpose in the environment is to eliminate wood waste such as fallen trees in a forest. There is no question, however, that termites are of economic importance. Each year termites cause millions of dollars in damage to structures in the United States alone. Because of this constant threat to buildings, houses, utility poles, etc., it is essential that proper termite treatment methods be wed to aid in their control.

Termites have evolved into social insects with a specialized caste system. In most termite species, this system is comprised of workers, soldiers, and reproductives. The bulk of a termite colony consists of what we call workers. These workers are responsible for nest construction, harvesting cellulose for food, and care and feeding of the rest of the colony. Workers are blind and use chemicals called pheromones to follow each other to food.

Soldier termites are responsible for only one thing, defense. These termites can be identified by their large heads and mandibles, which extend outward. These mandibles can be used for a variety of tasks including warning others of danger, audible clicking for communication, flipping other termites out of harms way, or in defense.

The third caste is made up of reproductives. These are usually referred to as Alates. Alates can be male or female and are most often thought of as swarmers. Once Alates swarm out of the colony, they will pair up and become the kings and queens of new colonies. Alates have distinguishable characteristics that can be used to identify the termite species. Alates, unlike workers and soldiers, have eyes arid wings and axe usually attracted to light (phototropic.)

Termites like other wood destroying organisms cannot solely digest wood. The cellulose that is taken into the body is actually broken down by what is referred to as symbiotic protozoa. This protozoa occurs in the gut and intestinal tract of the termite and frees the carbohydrates and necessary nutrients for the termite to digest. It is believed that workers feed the primary reproductives and soldiers.

For more detailed information on termites and their behavior, check out our web links page for links to various termite related sites.