Do Termites Lose to Ants?
Termites and ants are two of the most common insects. They both attack wood, but they have evolved in different niches. The ant is the most common predator of termites. However, some species do not feed on termites.
Termites are soft-bodied creatures that live in subterranean environments. Their bodies have three segments: a thorax, an abdomen, and a waist. These are connected by a smoky dark membrane. They are also disproportionately long, with a wingspan that is about twice as long as their bodies.
During the mating process, the female alate (the reproductive caste) will lose her wings. Afterwards, the male will die. Then, a female de-alate becomes the queen.
Termites are the only termite species that have compound eyes. Their wings are pointed at the tip. They are usually light brown in color. They are about the same size as the ant’s body. They can be found in the tropical zones.
When a swarm is formed, it looks like a mass of small balls on the ground. They are black or brown in color and are about four millimeters in length. They are stacked on top of each other. Some have a cleft at the end.
Termites are one of the few animals that can digest fresh wood. They are a member of the order Orthoptera. Their mounds are temperature and humidity controlled. They feed on wood, but not on humans. They can enter homes through foundation cracks. They can consume up to a pound of food per month.