Why Do Termites Have 4 Wings?
WouterIt is easy to think that termites are just ants, but they are more than just ants. They have a broad waist, short legs, and two straight antennae.
Depending on the species, they vary in size, color, and behavior. In addition to swarmers, termites have a variety of different castes. These castes include alates, workers, soldiers, and reproductive termite kings.
Generally, termites are about 1/4 inch to half inch long, with a wide thorax and abdomen. They have no eyes. They have soft, spongy bodies.
Termites live underground and make tubes in the soil. These tubes provide a protected passage between the nest and a food source. They are usually dark brown in colour. They have long mandibles and a high humidity requirement.
Termites are not good fliers. Their wings are about twice the length of their bodies. They can only fly for short periods of time. Their wings are translucent and have a veiny appearance.
Unlike ants, termites do not have eyes. They have a flat and broad waist. The front wings are larger than the back. Both males and females have wings.
When the colony is mature, the reproductive queens leave the nest to start new colonies. They are the largest termites within the colony. They can be over two inches long.
After a couple of years, the eggs will hatch. The larvae will evolve into workers, and then into soldiers. They will do the majority of the work. Then they will produce winged alates.
