termieten

Termieten, commonly known as termites, are eusocial insects in the order Blattodea. They form highly organized colonies that feed primarily on cellulose in wood and other plant materials. Colonies can range from several thousand to millions of individuals, depending on species. Termites are found worldwide, with the greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions; some species occur in temperate zones.

Biology and social structure: Termites have a caste system consisting of workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals. Workers perform feeding and nest maintenance, soldiers defend against predators, and reproductives (queens and kings) produced by the colony undertake reproduction. During swarming, winged alates leave to establish new colonies.

Diet, digestion, and symbiosis: All termites feed on cellulose-containing materials. Digestion is aided by symbiotic microorganisms in their guts, including bacteria and, in some groups, protists. Higher termites (especially fungus-growing termites) may cultivate fungi (Termitomyces) to break down plant matter and supplement nutrition.

Habitat and nesting: Subterranean termites live in soil and build mud tubes to reach timber; drywood termites live directly in dry wood; dampwood termites prefer wet, decaying wood. They can form long-lived colonies and are resilient to environmental conditions.

Impact and management: Termiten are economically important pests in many regions because they can damage wooden structures, furniture, and crops. Management relies on integrated pest management: moisture control, physical barriers, soil-termite treatments, termite baits, and regular inspections. In some ecosystems, termites play beneficial roles, decomposing wood and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Taxonomy and evolution: Termites are within Blattodea, closely related to cockroaches; they diverged from wood‑eating ancestors hundreds of millions of years ago.