How Do Termites Divide the Work of Their Colony?
WouterTermites divide the work of their colony according to their role in the colony. Generally, there are three distinct castes in a termite colony. These are the worker, the soldier, and the reproductive. These groups work together to feed and protect each other. The workers are responsible for feeding the colony, repairing the nest, and taking care of immatures.
The worker class is the largest in a colony. They are often lighter in color, and their bodies are soft. They perform most of the work, including foraging, food storage, and nest maintenance. Occasionally, they will leave the colony to find food for themselves.
The soldier class is similar to the worker, but they are larger. They have large mandibles for defense, and a hard head. Some soldiers secrete poisons and anticoagulants.
The reproductive cast is responsible for mating and egg-laying. They also perform a variety of jobs, including protecting the colony and building the nest. The reproductives are the oldest members of the colony.
The reproductives are also the most numerous in a colony. They are dark brown to black in color, and they have a pair of wings. They usually mate with the primary reproductives of the colony, who are king and queen. The secondary reproductives are the ones who assist in the egg-laying process.
The reproductives are the most important part of a termite colony. They are the ones who ensure that the colony will survive. The termites have a unique enzyme in their gut, which turns cellulose into usable sugar. This gives trees and shrubs structure.
