A newly identified termite species with a whale-like head reveals unexpected diversity within the Cryptotermes…
Browsing: Termites
Termites are small, social insects known for their wood-eating habits, which can cause significant damage to buildings and structures. Belonging to the order Isoptera, termites live in large colonies with a highly organized social structure that includes workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals, such as queens and kings. They primarily feed on cellulose, a substance found in wood, plant material, and paper, which they break down with the help of symbiotic bacteria in their digestive systems. Despite their destructive reputation, termites play a crucial ecological role in decomposing dead plant material and returning nutrients to the soil. Found in most parts of the world, termites thrive in warm, humid environments and are particularly abundant in tropical regions.
Termites became social powerhouses by stripping away genes tied to competition and independence. This genetic…
A new termite treatment blocks molting, spreads through colonies, and kills up to 95% when…
Neocapritermes taracua termites carry a life-ending enzyme that, when mixed with another compound during attacks,…
Researchers in Namaqualand have found the world’s oldest termite mounds, dating 34,000 years, revealing key…
UC Riverside scientists have introduced an effective and sustainable termite control strategy using pinene to…
Rising global temperatures could lead to more widespread termite infestations, increasing damage costs beyond the…
The new study indicates that humidity helps guide insects in their tasks. Termites are often…
Deciphering the Mystery of Fairy Circles For over a decade, the origin of the numerous…
Termite-Inspired Material Design Framework Inspired by the way termites build their nests, scientists at…
Ant-nest invaders are in for a shock when they mess with the African ant species…