How do higher termites digest cellulose without symbiotic protozoans?

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Learn how termites use salivary secretions to cement debris to decaying wood nests in their rainforest habitat — termite A termite nest in a tropical rainforest.

Higher termites (family Termitidae) do not rely on symbiotic protozoans for digestion. Instead, they utilize bacteria present in their gut to facilitate the process. These bacteria produce cellulase and cellobiase enzymes, which break down cellulose into usable nutrients. Additionally, in some species, the termites themselves are capable of secreting these necessary digestive enzymes.1