Structure of an M. natalensis mound.
The structure of the mounds can be
very complicated.
Termite mounds usually
outlive the colonies
themselves.
If the inner tunnels of the nest are
exposed, [the colony]
is usually dead.
Sometimes other colonies,
occupy a mound
after the original
builders' deaths.
Workers,
smallest in size,
are the most numerous of the castes.
They are all completely blind,
wingless,
and sexually immature.
Their job is to feed and groom
all of the dependent castes.
They also dig tunnels,
locate food and water,
maintain colony atmospheric homeostasis,
and build and repair
the nest.
The soldiers' job
is to defend the colony
from any unwanted animals.
When the large soldiers
attack, they emit a drop of corrosive liquid,
which spreads between the
open mandibles.
When they bite, the liquid spreads
over the opponent. The secretion is
commonly stated to be toxic
or undergoes coagulation with the air
which renders it glue-like.
Finally, there are
the reproductives,
which include the king and the queen,
responsible for reproducing.
See also: Eusociality.
May 21
May 21, 2026 at 7:18 PM UTC
Structure of an M. natalensis mound.
The structure of the mounds can be
very complicated.
Termite mounds usually
outlive the colonies
themselves.
If the inner tunnels of the nest are
exposed, [the colony]
is usually dead.
Sometimes other colonies,
occupy a mound
after the original
builders' deaths.
Workers,
smallest in size,
are the most numerous of the castes.
They are all completely blind,
wingless,
and sexually immature.
Their job is to feed and groom
all of the dependent castes.
They also dig tunnels,
locate food and water,
maintain colony atmospheric homeostasis,
and build and repair
the nest.
The soldiers' job
is to defend the colony
from any unwanted animals.
When the large soldiers
attack, they emit a drop of corrosive liquid,
which spreads between the
open mandibles.
When they bite, the liquid spreads
over the opponent. The secretion is
commonly stated to be toxic
or undergoes coagulation with the air
which renders it glue-like.
Finally, there are
the reproductives,
which include the king and the queen,
responsible for reproducing.
See also: Eusociality.
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