white ants crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "white ants crossword clue" by Letter Count
8 Letters
TERMITES: Social insects known for consuming wood and other cellulose materials, often mistaken for ants due to their appearance and colony structure. They are notorious pests in many regions.
More About "white ants crossword clue"
The term "white ants" is a common colloquialism for termites, a group of eusocial insects that, despite their name, are not closely related to ants. True ants belong to the order Hymenoptera, while termites are classified under Blattodea, making them more distant cousins to cockroaches. This common confusion stems from their shared characteristics of living in large, organized colonies with distinct castes (workers, soldiers, reproductives) and often similar sizes.
Termites are renowned for their ability to digest cellulose, a primary component of wood, paper, and plant fibers, thanks to symbiotic microorganisms in their gut. This unique ability makes them critical decomposers in natural ecosystems, but also formidable pests in human environments, causing significant damage to buildings, furniture, and crops worldwide. Their pale or whitish bodies, especially those of the worker caste, further contribute to the "white ants" moniker, distinguishing them from the typically darker true ants.
When you encounter "white ants" in a crossword puzzle, the most direct and universally accepted answer is almost always TERMITES, reflecting this common, albeit biologically imprecise, designation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Colloquial Terms: Crossword setters often use common names or informal terms for animals, objects, or concepts. "White ants" is a perfect example of a colloquial term being used for "termites."
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. Even if you're confident in a solution, if the length doesn't match, it's time to re-evaluate or look for synonyms.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The letters filled in from other completed clues are your most powerful tool. Use them to confirm your answer or narrow down possibilities for the current clue.
- Think Broadly and Specifically: Some clues require a very specific answer (like "termites" for "white ants"), while others might need a more general term. Pay attention to the phrasing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary answer for 'white ants crossword clue'?
The primary and most common answer for 'white ants crossword clue' is TERMITES. This term specifically refers to these social insects that are often confused with ants due to their appearance and colony structure, particularly their pale, often whitish bodies.
Why are termites commonly called 'white ants'?
Termites earned the common moniker 'white ants' due to their pale, often whitish or translucent bodies, especially the worker caste, and their ant-like social behavior of living in organized colonies. Despite the name, they are not true ants but are more closely related to cockroaches.
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