Termites:  a company of engineers

🐜 Termites: Ancient Insects with a Fundamental Ecological Role! 🌿

Termites, which have been present on Earth for over two hundred million years, are cosmopolitan insects closely related to cockroaches.

📜 An Ancient Story:

Despite their similar physical characteristics, termites are no longer considered to be Isoptera and are now part of the same superorder as praying mantises and cockroaches. Their history spans hundreds of millions of years.

🏡 Imposing Colonies and Complex Societies:

Termites live in colonies of thousands of individuals, forming societies in tropical regions with over 2,500 species worldwide. They thrive in dark, damp conditions.

🍃 Key Ecological Role :

Mostly wood-eating, termites feed on cellulose, playing a crucial role in the mineralisation of organic matter. Their activity enriches the soil, encouraging plant growth.

🐜 Advanced Social Cooperation:

Termites exhibit advanced social cohesion, displaying a collective intelligence similar to that of ants and bees. They are organised into castes, with specialised tasks within a hierarchy.

🏗️ Skilled Builders:

These insects are also known for their ability to build complex termite mounds, structures that can reach impressive heights. These constructions shelter and protect the colony, regulating temperature and humidity.

💡 A Fascinating World to Discover :

Termites, although often underestimated, play an essential role in ecosystems, contributing to ecological balance and soil health. Their evolutionary history and complex social behaviour continue to inspire scientific research.

A video produced in partnership with ORLAT de La Réunion.