Termites
Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide
Order Isoptera While termites are often called 'white ants' and do superficially resemble ants, they are in fact not at all closely related. Their order is considered much more primitive than ants, but they have evolved a complex colonial 'caste' system, similar in some respects to ants. Termites feed primarily on cellulose and are acknowledged to be important recyclers in the rainforest. Termites are quite inoffensive creatures to larger animals like humans. They are quite delicate and they are rarely seen, most living within the soil or vegetation. Relatively few species construct mounds, but they are often the most noticed of termites. In the rainforest small round mounds can be noted in the canopy and on the forest floor, the latter being inhabited by species of Termes.
Script: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide
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