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Story: Insects – overview

Native termite

Native termite

New Zealand has three species of termite. They are social animals, living in small colonies made up of workers and soldiers (lacking eyes and wings), and a reproductive pair (the king and queen). They feed on wood, and tunnel into tree trunks and timber.

About this item

Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua
Photograph by Leonie Clunie

© Copyright image. All rights reserved. Permission from Manaaki Whenua: Landcare Research New Zealand Limited must be obtained before the re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

George Gibbs. 'Insects – overview', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/insects-overview/3/3