What are the differences between ants and termites?
• Have bodies which, in the various species, can have many colors ranging from black to orange or yellowish coloring, or various combinations, and even with iridescence. The exoskeleton is opaque, i.e. internal organs cannot be seen from outside(except when very swollen, as in honey ants). • Fore- and hindwings differ in size and vein pattern. • First two or three segments of abdomen variously constricted and modified into waist-like form. • Worm-like larvae emerge from eggs, which grow to adult size, then go through non-feeding pupal stage before reaching adult (typical ant) form. • Larvae typicallly eat high protein diet, adults most often have sugary fluids as major dietary component. • Range much further from equator, to about 60 degrees north or south latitude. • Many adapted to dry climates and forage above ground even in driest deserts. • Ovipositor modified into a stinger with associated venom glands used for subduing prey and for defense. • Ant colonies are all females, except
