Quick answer
Termites (Isoptera) are insects found across Africa, Asia, South America, North America, Oceania. The colony-building recycler of dead wood. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.00001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 0.2 km/h (0 mph), and live Workers months; queens many years. They feed on herbivore/detritivore (wood, leaf litter, plant matter) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide; ecosystem engineers that recycle dead plant matter.
Key takeaway
Termites (Isoptera) are insects found across Africa, Asia, South America, North America, Oceania. The colony-building recycler of dead wood. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.00001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 0.2 km/h (0 mph), and live Workers months; queens many years. They feed on herbivore/detritivore (wood, leaf litter, plant matter) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide; ecosystem engineers that recycle dead plant matter.
Termite overview
Termite (Isoptera) is a insect listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.00001 kg; lifespan around Workers months; queens many years.
Termite ecology
Diet: Herbivore/detritivore (wood, leaf litter, plant matter). Habitat: Soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Termites and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild termites are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Termite profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Termites inhabit Soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide; ecosystem engineers that recycle dead plant matter. Their preferred habitat includes soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult termites typically measure about 0.01 m in length and weigh roughly 0.00001 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at up to 0.2 km/h (0 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Termites are known for the colony-building recycler of dead wood — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Termite FAQs
What are key facts about termites?
Termites (Isoptera) are insects found across Africa, Asia, South America, North America, Oceania. The colony-building recycler of dead wood. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.00001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 0.2 km/h (0 mph), and live Workers months; queens many years. They feed on herbivore/detritivore (wood, leaf litter, plant matter) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide; ecosystem engineers that recycle dead plant matter.
What is the scientific name of the termite?
Isoptera — used in research and conservation listings for termites.
What do termites eat?
Termites eat wood, leaf litter, plant matter, with seasonal and regional variation in Soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions.
Where do termites live?
They are associated with Soil and wood in tropical and warm-temperate regions. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of termites?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.