How Do Termites Communicate?
WouterIn order to survive, termites have developed a communication system that allows them to communicate and stay in touch with each other. This communication system includes both physical contact and pheromones. These pheromones are a chemical signal that is used to detect and locate food and reproductive partners. These signals are also used to warn other members of the colony of danger.
The colony of termites is organized in a hierarchy. Each individual termite performs a specific role within the colony. The termite castes include the king and queen, workers, soldiers, nymphs, and reproductives.
King and queen termites use pheromones to signal their need for reproduction. The pheromones also help the colony to regulate its caste structure. The pheromones are secreted by a gland located in the sternal area.
In addition, termites have developed a powerful defense system. They emit alarm pheromones, which are released when they encounter a pathogen. The pathogen can damage the colony. The pheromones are followed by the rest of the termite colony to find and neutralize the threat.
Termites also communicate through vibrations. Termites bang their heads against the walls of their nests, creating vibrating vibrations that spread throughout the nest. Other termites will mimic the pattern of the banging to alert other termites of the danger.
Termites are also very sensitive to vibrations. They can detect vibrations from as far away as a meter. They can even detect vibrations from wood. This can tell them whether the wood is soft or hard.
