What is the primary food source for termites?

Termites primarily feed on wood and cellulose, which is an organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants. This ability to digest cellulose is due to the presence of symbiotic microorganisms in their guts, specifically protozoa and bacteria, that help break down this complex carbohydrate into simpler compounds that termites can absorb as nutrients.

Wood, which provides the main source of food for many termite species, is particularly rich in cellulose, making it an ideal diet. Termites are important decomposers in their ecosystems, as they break down dead and decaying wood, returning nutrients to the soil and contributing to soil health. This unique feeding behavior distinguishes them from other insects that may have different dietary preferences.