Litinsects

© Scott Bauer   Litinsects #37: Termites   TERMITES might get a bit of a bad rap for causing damage but they are super interesting insects! Did you know that... Termites are actually considered to be a specialized group of cockroaches! They used to be classified in an entirely different order of insects but recent genetic studies found a closer relation to cockroaches Termites form EUSOCIAL COLONIES (just like ants and bees). Termite colonies have not only a queen but also a fertile king along with sterile workers and soldiers. All castes are anatomically different with specializations to their tasks They are found on all continents except Antarctica, though more species are found in AFRICA than anywhere else Termites go through INCOMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS, with nymphal stages that resemble adults Termite colonies live in huge and complex structures called mounds. COMPASS TERMITES build their mounds oriented north-south, which helps with THERMOREGULATION. With the l...