Types of Termites

Subterranean Biology
Like ants, subterranean termites are social insects living in organized colonies. The colony is comprised of three castes (or types), each of which has a specific role. These castes are: workers, soldiers and reproductives.

Workers are about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long and the most numerous; they may be found in damaged wood. They are whitish in color and have no wings. They are responsible for feeding the other castes and grooming the queen. They also cause destruction as they excavate the nest in the process of feeding on the wood.

Soldiers are white and also wingless and can be identified by their large head and jaws. Their job is to defend the colony against insects (especially ants) that may try to attack the colony.

Reproductives are so named because of their reproductive role in the colony. There are two types, the king and the queen. They are dark brown to black. A distinguishing feature is that they have two pairs of wings that are twice as long as their body. Large colonies have supplementary reproductives in addition to the king and queen. Secondary or Tertiary Reproductives are wingless and creamy colored. They either supplement or replace the primary queen. They may also leave the nest to form another colony.

Swarmers appear in great numbers when a colony is several years old. They have four wings and range in color from brown to black.