How do termites primarily communicate within their colony?

Termites primarily communicate within their colony through pheromones, which are chemical substances secreted by individuals. This form of communication is essential for various social behaviors, such as marking trails to food sources, signaling danger, or coordinating activities like reproductive behaviors and colony defense. Pheromones can convey complex information and trigger specific responses from other termites, which helps maintain the social structure and efficient functioning of the colony.

While other forms of communication, such as sound vibrations and tactile interactions, do play a role in a termite's social activities, they are not as predominant as pheromone communication. Visual signals are also minimal in a dark and underground environment where most termites reside, rendering them less effective for long-distance communication compared to the pervasive and powerful influence of pheromones. This makes pheromones the most critical means of communication within a termite colony.