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6638155 
Journal Article 
Cultural significance of termites in sub-Saharan Africa 
van Huis, A; , 
2017 
Yes 
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
ISSN: 1746-4269 
BMC 
LONDON 
English 
28126033 
WOS:000392888400001 
The number of termite species in the world is more than 2500, and Africa with more than 1000 species has the richest intercontinental diversity. The family Termitidae contains builders of great mounds up to 5 m high. Colonies are composed of casts: a queen, a king, soldiers and workers. Some species of termite cultivate specialised fungi to digest cellulose. Termites constitute 10% of all animal biomass in the tropics. The purpose of the study was to make an overview of how termites are utilized, perceived and experienced in daily life across sub-Saharan Africa.