How Do Termites Go About Building Their Termite Mound?
Termites start by building some of their nest underground. Then, they form a small mound above ground. This grows slowly and building it is a monumental task for such small insects. Some of the termite mounds found in Australia are incredible – over 13 metres high and 30 metres in circumference. Even more impressive is the fact that this is only a small part of the whole nest. Most of it extends into a vast basement, which is dug out under the mound. Some termite mounds are very complex inside. They have a central area with horizontal layers and the main walls consist of hard material through which many channels run. In the middle of the nest is the walled of chamber in which the queen termite lies, laying thousands of eggs every day. A few species of termite grow fungus gardens in part of the nest to provide food for the workers.
