Mound-building termites

Mound-building termites are very small insects that live together in big groups called colonies. They are experts at building their homes, which are huge mounds made out of dirt and saliva. These mounds can be as tall as a person!

Just like you might build a sandcastle at the beach, termites use their tiny bodies and strong jaws to move dirt and make their own unique structures. They start by digging tunnels into the ground and carrying dirt up to the surface. Then they mix the dirt with their saliva to make a sort of glue that holds everything together.

But these mounds are more than just pretty structures. They're actually the termites' homes and provide them with everything they need to survive. The temperature and humidity inside the mound are just right, so the termites don't get too hot or too cold. And they have special rooms and tunnels for eating, nesting, and even taking care of their young.

Mound-building termites work together in a very organized way. Each member of the colony has a job to do, like gathering food or taking care of the babies. And they communicate with each other by touching or with chemicals called pheromones. This helps them stay organized and work efficiently.

So, even though they're tiny, mound-building termites are amazing architects and masters of team work. Their mounds may look like just piles of dirt, but they're actually incredibly complex and important homes for these little bugs.