Self-organized biotectonics of termite nests

Significance Termite nests are a remarkable example of functional self-organization that show how structure and function emerge on multiple length time scales in ecophysiology. To understand the process by which this arises, we document labyrinthine architecture within subterranean African termite Apicotermes lamani develop simple mathematical model relies physical biological interactions between termites, pheromones, mud nest. Our explains formation parallel floors connected linear helical ramps, consistent with observations real nests. In describing multiagent system, elucidate principles behavioral coupling relevance to swarm intelligence architectural design.