Termite Environment Demo

1. Introduction

My anatomy project is observing a termite's environment. The termites I have belong to the genus Reticulitermes, Which are subterranean termites that live in colonies in the soil. These termites live in moist environments. These termites are not able to reproduce because there is no queen in the colony. My termite colony consist of workers and soldiers. The life span of workers and soldiers is from 6 months to 2 years. You can tell a worker termite from a soldier due to their anatomy. A soldier termite has a larger mouth part called pinners which can be used for biting. Soldiers are capable of biting due to this. Apart of a termites main diet is moist paper and wood. A termite eats 24/7.

2. Materials

• • Live Termites

  • 2 Plastic Containers

  • Plastic Foam

  • Paper Toweling

3. Procedure

To set up this demonstration, divide the termites equally into the two plastic containers. Add the paper toweling to one container, dampening it first. Add the plastic foam to the other container, also dampening it first. Place the containers in an are where the temperature is 22-24 degrees C. Check each day to see that the paper toweling and the foam have not dried out. Do not over dampen or the termites will drown or mold will form. After a few days, the termites in the container containing the paper should be alive and healthy, while those in the container containing the foam will be dead or dying .

4. Scientific Principle

Paper and wood (the termites main diet) consist mainly of cellulose which is converted by the protozoa in the termite's digestive tract into digestible substances. The protozoa cannot convert plastic foam into nutritional by-products; therefore, the termites die. The termite-protozoan relationship is symbiotic; the protozoans depend on the termites to provide a suitable environment in the digestive tracts; the protozoa cannot live outside the termites.

5. Safety Regulations

Be careful in transferring your termites into it separate containers. Make sure you never let the termites out of their containers. Keep away from children and keep in a high area.