Understanding Different Types of Termites and Their Behaviors

Termites are primarily detritivores , consuming dead plants at any level of decomposition. They also play a vital role in the ecosystem by recycling waste material such as dead wood, faeces and plants. Many species eat cellulose , having a specialised midgut that breaks down the fibre.Termites are considered to be a major source (11%) of atmospheric methane , one of the prime greenhouse gases , produced from the breakdown of cellulose. Termites rely primarily upon a symbiotic microbial community that includes bacteria, flagellate protists such as metamonads and hypermastigids. This community provides the enzymes that digests the cellulose, allowing the insects to absorb the end products for their own use.^[114][115]