Termites

📖 In short

Termites are small insects that live in big colonies like ants. But they're actually closer to cockroaches than to ants! Termites are skilled builders, and in Africa and Australia they build tall mounds of earth.

🤩 Did you know?

There are about 2000 kinds of termites.
About 40 kinds of termites live in Australia.
A termite queen can live for decades.
Some kinds of termites grow fungus inside their nests to eat!

🔎 Find out more

🌟 Castles of mud

Termites mix soil with their spit and build huge nests that can be taller than a grown man. They have tunnels and openings that let the wind in, so it stays cool inside even in great heat.

🔍 King and queen

Every colony has a huge queen who lays thousands of eggs a day, and a king who stays with her. There are also big-headed soldiers who guard the nest, and workers who gather food and build.

💡 It eats wood

Termites eat wood and dead leaves, and tiny living things in their stomachs help them digest the wood. That's why they can damage wooden doors and furniture in houses.