The 5 Most Impressive Structures Built by Bugs

Insects are ingenious construction workers with an array on impressive architectural wonders to their credit. The five most interesting insect structures include the termite mound, beehive, anthill, orb spider web, and caterpillar cocoon.

1 Termite mounds

Perhaps the most well known insect structures are termite mounds. The distinctive insect abodes are architectural marvels made of soil, terminate saliva and dung. The volcano-shaped mound is very porous and the diminutive insects have constructed shafts through the mound to allow for ventilation. A central shaft is indicative of the structure and allows fresh air to mix with the mounds air providing a natural air condition system. When the fresh air comes in contact with the warm air inside the mound, it cools and sinks throughout the nest.

2 Beehives

The beehive is another impressive feat for the insect world. The lantern shaped exterior houses a unique internal structure of densely packed hexagonal cells. The industrious little worker bees naturally build their home on caves, rock cavities, and hollowed out trees. A single entrance provides access to the hive and is easily defensible. The interior honey comb shapes maximize space for next cavities as well as storing honey and pollen for later use.

3 Ant hives

Although a seemly small structure on the surface of the earth, the ant hive is a truly impressive insect structure. Most of the action is underground with only a relatively small pile of clay, pine needles, sand, or mixture of materials visible. The ants’ dwelling is a series of small chambers that extend far beneath the earth and form a labyrinth of underground passageways. The nest is used for egg laying and food storage.

4 Spider webs

Spider webs are well known for being a nuisance to most people but they are actually an interesting construction. The famous eight-legged creatures produce silk to protect their young and their own bodies. Some industrious spiders evolved to build spider webs to help in providing nutrition. One of the most pleasing web to the eye is the spiral orb web with a distinctive flat round shape bisected by silk spokes. The sticky silk helps the spider capture prey as well as provide protection for the spider by entangling predators like wasps and birds.

5 The caterpillar cocoon

Built by immature insects, the caterpillar cocoon is a wonderfully efficient structure. The caterpillar constructs its safe house by secreting silk out two glands in the insect’s body. The silk hardens into a protective casing so the caterpillar can transform into a winged insect like a moth or butterfly.

About the author: Madyson Grant enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family. She is currently blogging for a Santa Rosa Termite and pest control company.