Termite Biology!

Termites are decomposers, they break down cellulose. Termites are also social insects. Three activities that social insects do together are build their home, take care of their young, and find food. Termites live in a colony. There are different jobs given to different caste members of their colony.

Here are all the different caste members that live in a termite colony:

WoRkEr:
They are blind and have chewing mouthparts. They get food, build tunnels, bury termites, and feed and groom other members.

SoLdiER:
They are blind with scissor-like mouthparts and a hard, red head. They can emit a sticky substance to defend from predators. They are the guards. They protect the colony.

ThE QuEeN:
She has an enlarged abdomen and live up to 20 years. She is the parent of everyone and she decides what each larvae will become when they are grown.

ThE KiNg:
He has a slightly enlarged abdomen and wing stubs. He is the parent of everyone as well.

SeCoNdArY RePrOdUcTiVe:
They are blind with a slightly enlarged abdomen. They help the king or queen reproduce when told to do so by the queen. If the queen or king were to die one of these would replace them.

AlatEs:
They have sight, wings, and a harder exoskeleton. They leave to find a new habitat. They fly to a light then meet a mate, drop to the ground and lose their wings. Then they go and become the king and queen of a new colony.