How Do Termites Sense Their Environment?
WouterTermites are known to use a number of senses to navigate their colonies. The olfactory system is one of the most important. It uses specialized proteins that carry smells from the environment to the insect’s sensory nerves.
The olfactory system is also very sensitive to temperature and humidity. In addition, the system is capable of ‘tuning in’ to natural plant spores that are floating around.
Scientists have identified a number of other senses that are used by termites. For example, the termite’s antennae are covered by hundreds of tiny sensory structures called sensilla. These tiny sensors are designed to allow the termite to sense changing environmental conditions.
Besides the obvious – sight – termites also use their hearing system to detect danger. They can sense vibrations in the tunnels of their hosts, as well as the tunnel walls.
They also have a biological timer that can tell them which direction to run. The termite’s olfactory system is able to detect queen pheromones, which help regulate the caste system. They can also detect an alarm pheromone, which alerts other termites to a potential danger.
Using this system, termites can send messages to each other, as well as to their colony. The termite’s brain processes olfactory input quickly. This information is then sent to the brain’s relevant regions.
In the end, it seems the termite’s olfactory & tactile systems are more powerful than the olfactory and visual systems of other animals. This allows the termite to make better use of its resources.
