Termites build tall mounds that help regulate the temperature inside their nest.

The longer version

Mound building solves several problems at once. Thick walls buffer the nest against sharp swings in outside air, chimney-like openings let stale gas rise and escape, and the structure gains heat slowly during the day and releases it slowly after dark. The shape also sheds heavy rain.

Inside, fungus gardens and brood need fairly stable conditions, so staying steady matters as much as staying warm. Workers continually open, narrow, or seal passages, adjusting airflow much the way vents work. Deeper chambers below ground add further stability, since soil temperature changes far less than air temperature.

Where this entry sits

This collection gathers small wonders from the world of ants, bees, butterflies, beetles, and spiders. Expect surprising details about swarms, silk, and metamorphosis, plus the strange everyday abilities of creatures small enough to fit on a fingertip. The full list sits on the Insects and Spiders page, where every entry is listed in order.