How Did Termites Get Their Name?

Termites are an insect species that is considered a pest. They are a group of social insects that are part of the Arthropoda phylum. They eat dead plant material and wood. They form a food web that includes plants, animals, fungus and other organisms. They are considered a pest because they can cause structural damage to buildings.

The termite is a detrivor, which means it feeds on decaying plant matter. It has a bacterium in its digestive system that breaks down cellulose and gives it access to hydrogen. The termite is also a member of the Blattodea, a group of arthropods. Termites are commonly grouped in two categories: soil-feeding and grass-eating. Generally, termite species are restricted to zones that have high annual temperatures.

In Africa, for example, there are over 1,000 species of termites. The name “conehead termite” is used to describe the insect, but it is actually incorrect because it does not nest on tree branches.

In recent years, researchers have suggested that termites originated from cockroaches. Scientists were able to make this connection after conducting more research. They discovered that the insects are not closely related to ants, but are phylogenetically related to mantises.

In addition, it is believed that termites are eusocial. Along with ants and bees, termites share a common habitat and cooperate to access resources. Several species of termites also practice fungiculture. These fungi are specialized to feed on the excrement of termites. Some of these species are found in dry forests in Colombia, South America.

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