Termites-+Adrian

Termites

Introduction

Termites appeared on Earth around the time of the dinosaurs. In the last decade the have been 2,800 species identified within 7 families. Termites look like ants. Termites are insects. There are three types of termites: soldier termites, worker termites and royal termites. The royals include the King and Queen. The Queen lays the. Soldier termites have hard heads and strong legs. Worker termites feed the soldiers, the royals and larvae.

Anatomy

Termites have three body parts: the head, thorax and abdomen. They have sharp jaws for chewing through wood on houses and trees. Termites have a big thick waist and antennae. Some termites have wings.

Habitat

Most termites live in underground nest [known as a wood tower. They also live in tree wood [inside trees]. Termites live in soil mounds and pole nests. They live in Africa, Australia, Asia and South America.

Feeding and Predators

Termites eat wood most of the time. If they eat wood they get sugars and starches for energy. Their diet also includes grass and fungus. Their main predator is an anteater

Food Chain



Reproduction

Once the female and male mate they become the new King and Queen. The Queen lays 10,000 eggs at a time.

Lifecycle

The Queen lays 10,000 eggs one at a time. The eggs then hatch into termite nymphs. The nymphs turn into adults whether it would be a soldier or worker termites.

Fascinating Facts

Did you know termites used to be known as white ants? Did you know that termites build their towers 7.5 metres high? Did you know termites are more closely related to cockroaches? Did you know termites can cause damage to our houses of up to 2 billions per year.