What are the castes of termites?

Each colony contains three major castes of adult termites: workers, soldiers, and reproductives (Figure 1). Figure 1. Termite colonies contain three types of castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Winged reproductive termites are known as swarmers.

Which family do termites belong to?

Order Isoptera
Termites comprise the Order Isoptera with six families, 170 genera and 2600 species, of which six species are present in Nigeria. The most striking aspects of termites is their destructive tendency.

Why are termites in the animal kingdom?

Since termites are ecologically essential insects, it could be said that they work to provide the animal kingdom with food sources. For example, some beetles that live in termite mounds secrete a substance that the original termite inhabitants consume.

How quickly do termites multiply?

After mating, the new king and queen spend the rest of their lives underground being fed by the worker termites. The new queen lays her first batch of six to 12 eggs within a few days or weeks of mating, establishing a new termite colony. A mature queen can lay thousands of eggs each year.

Which is the only state in the US without termites?

Alaska is the only U.S. state without termites. Depending on the species, termite nests are found underground, in dead trees and stumps, in the tops of live trees, and in wooden structures. Ants are among the biggest predators of termites.

How many termites live in a nest?

As the colony increases in size, the queen may allow more reproductives to help produce enough workers to feed the colony. Mature termite colonies typically contain 60,000 to 1 million termites. If you see winged termites inside or near your house, you probably have a termite colony nearby.

How are termites classified in the order Isoptera?

Termites of the order Isoptera are small to medium-sized insects that live in social groups, or colonies, and are characterized by their highly developed caste system. The mouthparts are modified for chewing. Antennae are moniliform (beadlike) or filiform (threadlike).

What is the scientific name for a termite?

Termite Scientific Name The scientific name for a termite is Isoptera, and they are eusocial insects. They are under the Termitoidae epifamily inside a cockroach classification called Blattodea.

How big is the average size of a termite?

Termites range in size from an eighth of an inch to one inch in length. Some species are a bit bigger than others, as illustrated in the termite photos below. The insect’s stage of development or its specific role in the colony can also affect its size.

What do the different castes of termites look like?

Termites have three different castes, each of which performs different roles within the colony. Each caste has unique physical features to help it fulfill its role in the colony. Even within the same species, termites that belong to different castes can look very different.

What are the castes of termites? Each colony contains three major castes of adult termites: workers, soldiers, and reproductives (Figure 1). Figure 1. Termite colonies contain three types of castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Winged reproductive termites are known as swarmers. Which family do termites belong to? Order Isoptera Termites comprise the Order Isoptera with…