The Digestive Process of Termites
WouterTermites are one of the most destructive insects in nature. These animals destroy perfectly sound timber, wood, plastic, and even most household furniture. They are important pests of agricultural crops and forest nursery seedlings.
The digestive enzymes needed to break down cellulose are produced by protozoa in the termite’s gut. They produce acetic acid and other acids that are used to break down the cellulose in the wood.
There are 78 different insect species known to digest cellulose. The digestion of cellulose occurs in 20 insect families.
Various types of termites feed on cellulose. Some of the species prefer to feed on decayed wood while others eat new wood. They also build tunnels into the ground to escape adverse weather conditions. The nests are typically 6 or 7 meters below the ground and contain hundreds of workers.
The digestive process of termites involves three systems: the fore, mid, and hind. The fore gut is used for physical breakdown of plant fibers; the mid gut is where the digestive enzymes are applied; and the hind gut is where the nutrients are absorbed.
Most termites lack enzymes to break down cellulose. However, a few species have enzymes that help break down cellulose. These enzymes are produced by bacteria and protozoa. These organisms are useful additions to the termite diet. The use of fungi may also be beneficial for termites. The fungi may provide nitrogen, which is essential for the survival of termites. Some species of fungi may be toxic to termites.
