How Many Termites Are on Earth?
WouterTermites are decomposers and have been around for a very long time. Some species have been on the planet for 250 million years. A quarter-inch-long termite can move 3300 pounds of dirt and water every year. They live in colonies that can number several millions of termites.
Most termites are workers. They are the ones responsible for building the tunnels in the colony. They also forage for food and deposit feces on fungus. They communicate with each other through vibrations and pheromones.
There are about 2,800 termite species on the planet. Most of them prefer to live in underground tunnels. The smallest colonies contain a few hundred termites. They build mounds that can reach 42 feet in Africa. These mounds are important in the fertility of arid grasslands. They also provide shelter for many insects and geckos.
Some species of termites have evolved a symbiotic relationship with Termitomyces fungi. This fungus breaks down plant material into a form that termites can eat. It releases chemical pheromones that can attract the termites to the mound.
Termites can survive for months and even years in their colonies. They are one of the world’s largest insects. They produce about 20 million tons of methane a year. Their methane contributes about three percent of the total methane emissions on the planet.
Termites can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rich in calcium, iron, and amino acids. They can be found all over the world.
