What do the different types of termites in a colony do?
If you could look inside a typical termite colony you would probably see that most termites were rather similar with small, pale bodies and no wings — these are the “worker” termites that make up the bulk of the colony. Looking a bit longer might then reveal a smaller group of termites with unusually shaped heads with large jaws, or perhaps with heads drawn out into long snouts for squirting chemicals — these are the colony’s “soldier” termites. Depending on the time of year, further examination might then reveal termites with wings, either in buds or fully developed. These are the reproductive termites, or winged “alates”. These different groups of termites are often called termite castes. The reproductive termites develop in the way many other insects do: they grow wings, fully developed eyes, reproductive organs and a stiff, brownish skin. It is these alates which fly out from the termite colony each year to look for a mate. If they are lucky they and their mate will establish a col
