Expert: Walter Hintz - 10/12/2005

Question
How does a termite feel?

How many times will a termite molt?

Can it hear?

Has it adapted over the centuries?

Answer
 Hi Bill
Termites have antennae for "feeling"

I do not know how often they molt but I suspect it depends upon the species and their growth rate.

Hearing is the strangest thing about them.  They make noises and the sound is detected over long distances by other termites.  Insects have auditory organs on the abdomen but termites do not so we do not know how they hear.  I have been told that if you are in a house being eaten by termites you can hear them at night.

With the possible exception of ants they have probably adapted better than almost any other animal