Milk termite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coptotermes lacteus |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Rhinotermitidae
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| Genus: |
Coptotermes
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| Species: |
C. lacteus
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| Binomial name | |
| Coptotermes lacteus (Froggatt)
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The milk termite, also known as Coptotermes lacteus, is a type of termite found in Australia. These tiny creatures are part of the Rhinotermitidae family. Milk termites are super social insects, meaning they live together in big groups. They build large homes called mounds. From these mounds, they dig tunnels underground. These tunnels help the worker termites find food without coming out into the open.
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What Do Milk Termites Look Like?
Australia has many kinds of termites, and it can be tricky to tell them apart. The milk termite, C. lacteus, often looks similar to two other types: C. acinaciformis and C. frenchi.
How to Spot a Milk Termite Soldier
One way to identify them is by looking at their soldiers.
- Soldiers of C. frenchi and C. lacteus have heads shaped like a pear.
- Soldiers of C. acinaciformis have heads that are more rectangular.
- C. lacteus soldiers are also a bit smaller. They are about 4 to 4.8 millimeters long.
Where Do Milk Termites Live?
Milk termites build their homes, called mounds, in Australia. These mounds are smaller than the famous magnetic termite mounds.
Inside a Termite Mound
A milk termite mound has a very strong outer layer. This layer is thick and hard, like a protective shell. Inside, there's a hard mass of soil particles stuck together. In the very center, you'll find a soft, papery area. This special area is the nursery. It's where the queen termite lives and where the young termites, called nymphs, grow.
