Termitas

Termitas, commonly known as termites, are eusocial insects classified within the infraorder Isoptera, now broadly placed in the order Blattodea with cockroaches. They form colonies that can range from a few hundred to millions of individuals and exhibit a caste system that typically includes workers, soldiers, and reproductive types such as alates and a primary king and queen in many species.

Termites primarily feed on cellulose-containing material, especially wood and plant detritus. Their ability to digest cellulose comes from symbiotic microorganisms—bacteria and protozoa—in their hindguts, which break down the tough polysaccharide and supply nutrients to the colony. This mutualism is essential for their nutrition and colony growth.

Colonies are organized around specialized roles. Workers perform foraging, nest construction and maintenance, and care for the brood. Soldiers defend the colony, often with enlarged mandibles or chemical defenses. Reproductive individuals, including a winged alate swarm and, in some species, a primary king and queen, establish new nests.

Termites construct nests and galleries in wood, soil, or living structures. Some tropical species build elaborate above-ground mounds with intricate ventilation systems, while others inhabit dry wood or subterranean nests. Moisture is a critical factor for colony survival, though different species vary in their nesting preferences and humidity requirements.

Ecologically, termites are important decomposers, contributing to nutrient cycling by breaking down cellulose. In human contexts, they can cause significant damage to buildings and wooden infrastructure, prompting management through moisture control, regular inspections, and methods such as targeted termiticides or baiting systems within integrated pest management programs. Reproduction often involves swarming events that disperse alates to form new colonies.