Termites are social insects that feed exclusively on plant material. They occur in vast numbers in tropical regions, where they are probably the most important animals contributing to decomposition processes. Many termite species are voracious consumers of wood, and some of these are highly destructive pests of wooden buildings and furniture, plantation trees and crops. However, most termite species are innocent inhabitants of tropical forests, and have a positive effect on soil fertility. They and their nests also provide food and shelter for an extraordinary number of associated organisms.

Despite their importance, little is known about the evolution, diversity and general natural history of termites, or how this influences their role in ecosystems. The Natural History Museum holds the largest termite collection in the world, and therefore scientists in the Termite Research Group are uniquely placed to explore these issues. Current studies focus on:

• the evolutionary relationships between termite species
• the taxonomy of termites, particularly through the construction of interactive computer keys to make termite identification easier for general biologists
• understanding regional and global patterns of termite diversity
• evaluating the contribution of termites to ecosystem processes.

The most extensive projects are being undertaken in Cameroon and Malaysia, where Museum and local scientists are investigating the effect of human disturbance on termite abundance, biomass and diversity, and linking this to the potential contribution of termites to global emissions of the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane.

Illustrations

1. A foraging column of Hospitalitermes returning to its nest with balls of lichens and mosses. These termites are common in the rainforests of Borneo.
2. Mounds of Cubitermes glebae stand about 1 metre tall and are found in the forests of west Africa.
3. A large, egg-laying queen of Dicuspiditermes, Borneo. The queen is at the heart of termite society.

This project is part of the Ecological Patterns and Processes Research Theme.

For further information contact:

Dr Paul Eggleton
Head of the Termite Research Group
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD UK
Tel: +44 (0) 171 938 9459 Fax: +44 (0) 171 938 8937
Email: pe@nhm.ac.uk

Copyright (c) 1996 The Natural History Museum