Termite Identification

Photo by Sheilaellen

In arid and tropical savannas, termite colonies construct large and elaborate mounds.  Usually, these mounds have very distinctive forms with tall wedge-shapes.  It is usually shaped for a reason: thermoregulation.

Hot air usually rises in these termite mounds above ground.  This helps drive circulation currents inside the network or chambers inside the mounds, keeping it cool enough for the termites to thrive in.

In some cases, termite mounds can reach as high as six feet.  However, most termite colonies build their mounds somewhere around two feet.

How does it work?  Termite mounds are able to regulate temperature because of the ducts and holes within their structure.  It may be difficult for millions of inhabitants in a single mound, located in single nest burind a meter beneath the ground but termites were able to address the problem of ventilation with these termite mounds.