Termite

Termite, term referring to nearly 2000 species of mostly tropical and subtropical INSECTS generally placed in order Isoptera, but closely related to COCKROACHES (Dictuoptera). Often called "white ants," termites are, nevertheless, unrelated to true ANTS.

Range
In Canada, 3 native species are known (from BC and western Alberta); another dubiously native species occurs in southern Ontario. The latter and other introduced species may establish themselves indoors.

The earliest known termite was discovered recently in 120-million-year-old deposits in England; previously the 100-million-year-old Cretatermes carpenteri from Labrador held this distinction. Living species resemble these forms.

Structure

Termites, typically, are pale and about 5-15 mm long; swollen, egg-laying queens may be much larger. They have short legs and antennae. Reproductive forms have 4 long wings, of similar shape, shed after the nuptial flight. Eyes are reduced or absent. Like other fully social insects, colony members are divisible into castes: reproductive males and females, and sterile workers and soldiers. Unlike ants, WASPS and BEES, sterile termites are of either sex, not females alone, and the reproductive female (queen) retains the services of the king.

Colonies

Complexity of social organization and size of colonies vary among species. Termites are sophisticated architects, having invented effective air conditioning and concrete. Sanitation is perfect; the dead are consumed and excrement recycled for building materials. Some exotic species are excellent fungus gardeners. Their habitations are often shared by other animals, mostly arthropods (especially BEETLES).

Diet

Termites may be divided into categories: dry-wood termites living in seasoned wood; damp-wood termites living in decaying wood in contact with the ground; mound-building termites, plant-feeders that construct conspicuous "termitaria" on the ground or on trees but are most active beneath soil surface; and "subterranean" termites, humus-feeders, nesting entirely underground. Termites feed on cellulose (especially in wood or vegetable fibre products) digested by intestinal micro-organisms - usually bacteria, but protozoa in at least 2 species.

Termites frequently destroy structural and other timber and may damage crops. Canadian species may do significant structural damage.

Author D.K. MCEWAN KEVAN

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

E-Fauna BC
An extensively illustrated guide to wildlife species found in British Columbia. Covers bats, birds, beetles, bugs and much more. Also features an insect glossary and notes about invasive species. A biogeographic initiative of the Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, UBC.

The Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes
This website provides information about the scope and contents of the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Check the “Index” link for illustrated descriptions of various taxonomic groups.

University of Alberta's E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Check out images and information about insect specimens found in the University of Alberta's E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum, one of the most significant insect collections in Canada.

Aquatic Invertebrates of Alberta Online Textbook
An online guide to all major groups of Alberta's aquatic invertebrates. Offers illustrated details of the natural history of each group as well as tips on collecting and preserving specimens. A University of Alberta website.