Worker termite, LM

Worker termite. Light micrograph (LM). Termites feed on cellulose and rely on enzymes produced by their gut bacteria to break it down. Many species of termites are considered major pests, feeding on wooden structures and causing damage. They can also feed on paper, wool, carpets and any other products made from cellulose. Termites are among the most successful groups of insects on Earth, colonising most landmasses except Antarctica. Their colonies range in size from a few hundred individuals to enormous societies with several million individuals. Termite queens have the longest known lifespan of any insect, with some queens reportedly living up to 30 to 50 years. Colonies are described as superorganisms because the termites form part of a self-regulating entity: the colony itself. Magnification x15 when printed 10cm wide., Photo by STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY