Subterranean Termite

Coptotermes spp. Queen
Families: Masotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae (eg Coptotermes spp.) and Termitidae (eg Macrotermes spp. And Globitermes sulphureus)

They build nests in the soil and are very dependent on soil for moisture. In their search for food, subterranean termites construct mud tubes because they are susceptible to desiccation when exposed to air. They usually work their way above ground to reach wood or any other cellulose source. The cellulose is then broken down into simple starch with the help of protozoans in the termites gut.