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Termites, sometimes known as white ants, are a group of eusocial insects usually classified at the taxonomic rank of order, Isoptera. Termites feed on wood and other dead plant material, and several species are economically important as pests that can cause serious structural damage to buildings. Termites are also significant in subtropical and tropical regions, where they help recycle wood and other plant matter. Around 2,750 species have been described so far.
Appearance and morphology
Termites only superficially resemble ants; their "white ant" name is probably due to their similar size and social habits.
Termites have biting mouthparts and their soft bodies are small, rarely over 10 mm in length. They typically inhabit dark nests and tunnels, only venturing out when the winged alates emerge to leave their parent colony, when constructing shelter or, in the case of grass-eaters, when harvesting grass stems. The bodies of flying individuals are dark, while termites which remain in the nest are whitish with only their heads being lightly pigmented. The deciduous wings of termites are long and slender, in two pairs that are similarly sized and shaped. The name of the termites' order is derived from their having equal wings. The veins near the anterior margin of the wing are prominent with the rest only faintly marked. The wings are quickly shed after flight with a simple body flick when the swarming termites find a new nest site, pair up and dig in. The remnant of the wing is a distinct triangular scale.
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Research Plus: Termite - Information on termite biology, social structure, and control.
Meta Description: [ Termite, common name for numerous species of social insects that can damage wooden structures such as furniture or houses. Of about 2000 known... ]
500
Catalog of the Termites of the New World - A listing of more than 500 species, organized taxonomically.
Dr Don's Termite Pages - Help with termites. Find out what they do, why they do it and how to avoid problems. Hints with choosing a pest controller and some fun and bizarre links.
Meta Description: [ The old site for Dr Don's Termite Pages.
All about termites, what you can do with them or do to them or
do to be without them . . . and a bit more . . ]
Isoptera - Termite classification, biology and facts.
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Meta Description: [ Subterranean Termites and their Control ]
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