Which type of termite is primarily known for creating elaborate tunnel systems underground?

Subterranean termites are primarily known for creating elaborate tunnel systems underground. These termites live in colonies that are typically located in the soil, and they construct intricate networks of tunnels that allow them to access wood and other cellulose sources. The connection to moisture, which is essential for their survival, means that they often build their tunnels in close proximity to sources of food while avoiding open air, which can dry them out.

Their ability to create these extensive underground networks not only aids in the search for food but also plays a crucial role in their social structure and reproduction, as it allows different segments of the colony to interact effectively. This tunneling behavior is a defining characteristic of subterranean termites, differentiating them from other types, such as drywood termites, which live within the wood they consume and do not require moisture from the soil.