What Do Termites Look Like?
WouterTermites are tiny insects that are commonly found in wood, mainly in moist, damp areas. They live in colonies and are divided into several castes. The largest group is the worker. Termite castes include workers, soldiers, alates, and the queen.
Termites can be found in many different colors and sizes. Some are darker in color while others are lighter. They vary in size from 1/8 to 1 inch. Most termites have a stick-like shape, but some are slender and slim.
The first step in identifying a termite is to study its body. It is typically light brown, but can have other colors. It is also translucent. It has six legs and two antennae. These are straight and bent.
Termite eggs are shaped like a small jelly bean. They grow in size over a period of three weeks. The inside of the egg grows 30 percent larger when it hatches. The termite larvae then develop into a soldier. They send out a pheromone to attract other termites to their colony. They are found in decaying trees or in the soil.
Termite soldiers are larger than the rest of the termite caste. They have enlarged heads and a large, dark hardened body. Their jaws are also larger than the rest of the caste. They are armed with sticky fluids and chemical spray for defense. They have a defense line that protects the colony. They are slightly shorter than the other castes.
Termite swarmers are produced when the nest reaches a certain stage of maturity. During this stage, the termite queen sheds her wings. A mature colony produces swarmers in various colors.
