To which insect order do termites belong?

Termites belong to the insect order known as Isoptera. This order is specifically characterized by social insects that exhibit a division of labor, live in colonies, and feed on wood or other plant materials, which is a defining behavior of termites. The classification into Isoptera highlights their unique biological and ecological traits, including their role in breaking down cellulose in dead and decaying wood, contributing significantly to nutrient cycling in their ecosystems.

Insects classified under different orders such as Hymenoptera (which includes bees, wasps, and ants), Orthoptera (which includes grasshoppers and crickets), and Hemiptera (which includes true bugs like aphids and cicadas) feature distinct characteristics and behaviors that differentiate them from termites. The distinction of Isoptera emphasizes the specific adaptations and social structures that termites possess, distinguishing them in the broader classification of insects.