How Many Termites Are There in the World?
WouterThe termite is one of the most destructive insects in the world. Termites live underground and build huge mounds. Some of these mounds can reach 30 feet in height and even three stories.
The termite is a social insect and works together as a team. Each colony has a queen, king and workers. The king takes care of the queen during the first few generations and keeps her fertilized. The king also helps with the egg production.
The termite is a member of the Blattodea order, which is related to cockroaches. This order has more than two thousand species worldwide, including several that are native to North America.
Depending on the species, the size of a termite can vary. For example, a worker can be as small as 15 millimeters long and have a transparent white color. The largest species of termite, the dampwood termite, has an average membership of 10,000.
The average lifespan of a termite is a little more than a year. Some species have a lifespan of 50 years or more. The most common species are the subterranean termite and the dampwood termite. Both of these species are widely found throughout the U.S.
During the termite season, which can take place year-round, these roaches are at their most active. If food is available, the colonies swarm. The termite explorers are called swarmers. They have a similar appearance to flying ants and can invade a home.
The termite’s life cycle begins with a single egg. The nymph then grows into a larva. The larva then becomes a soldier. A soldier is a blind, wingless insect with massive mandibles. The soldier then defends the nest.
