Termites
   
Termites are insects. They are also known as white ants. Termites have been on earth for 200 million years. They are known for their ability to destroy wood products.
Most termites are light in color. Termites have a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. Some have wings. They have large mouthparts to chew through wood.

Termites naturally live in rain forests. But they can be brought to other habitats in wooden structures. Termites can live in buildings. They can also build huge mounds.
Termites mostly eat wood. Special bacteria help them digest the wood. Termites can cause great damage to wood products. They can destroy furniture and even buildings.
A queen termite lays eggs. The eggs go through metamorphosis. They become a nymph. Then they become an adult. Termites live in groups called colonies. A single colony can survive for 100 years.

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    Termite Classification: Insect
    Diet: Herbivore
    Endangered Status: Least Concern to Critically Endangered, depending on the species. Many species have not yet been evaluated.
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    Average Length A termite is smaller than a penny.
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