This project investigates the evolutionary origin of collective building behaviors in termites over approximately 150 million years of evolution. Termites exhibit a remarkable diversity in nest construction: some species are simple wood-dwellers, while others build large mounds connected by extensive underground foraging tunnel networks. This addresses a fundamental question in biology, how do complex behavioral traits evolve from simpler ones. Focusing on underground tunneling behaviors, the project quantitatively compares behavioral diversity across 21 species at local, national, and global sampling scales. The data obtained will be integrated with computer simulations and phylogenetic comparative analysis to identify the key behavioral changes responsible for the evolution of complex nest building. The project also utilizes the unique termite diversity in Alabama to increase public awareness of termite biology and evolution. Broader impacts include outreach activities targeting K-12 students and homeowners, development of science-based educational resources for local termite species, and establishment of a termite identification service in Alabama. This supports evidence-based pest management and public education for wood-damaging insects. This project uses an integrative approach to identify the behavioral mechanisms underlying the evolution of complex nest construction in termites. Aim 1 quantifies behavioral diversity in tunnel excavation across 21 termite species re