Termite Size report
Termite is one of the insects that can efficiently degrade lignocellulose in the natural environment and is a semi-metamorphic and entirely social insect. Termites are distributed on 2/3 of the earth's land area, most of which are concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the continents, only Antarctica has not found traces of termite activity.
There are various individuals of different grades in the termite colony, and each grade of termite performs its own duties. Termite classes include reproductive, soldier, worker, and nymph. Termites are insects that like warm and humid climates, and their distribution is centered on the equator and spreads north-south: the lower the latitude, the more species.
As the temperature rises and the rainy season approaches, many areas begin to enter a period of high termite incidence. It is time to learn more about these tiny but destructive insects and take the proper steps to prevent and kill them.
Termite General Description
Termites have the basic characteristics of insects, and their body is divided into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. The head can be rotated freely, with important sensory organs such as antennae and eyes, and the feeding organs are typical chewing mouthparts. The thoracic part has three segments: the prothorax, mid thorax, and metathorax, and each thoracic segment have a pair of legs.
Termites are polymorphic, social insects, all individuals live in colonies, and large colonies can contain more than 1 million individuals. Termite colonies are made up of several castes, including:
- Workers: Take care of eggs, maintain the colony and look for food.
- Soldiers: Guard the colony.
- Reproductives: Leave the colony to mate and establish new colonies.
Colors
Most people know termites are all white. It is not that case; termites can vary greatly in appearance, depending on their species, caste, or role. Surely, worker termites of all species are nearly identical. They can vary in white, brown, and black shades, depending on their type and age.
- Workers: These soft-bodied termites are pale and cream-colored.
- Soldiers: Most soldiers have similar coloring to workers but with large heads that are orange or amber in color.
- Reproductives: These termites are darker with brown or black bodies.
Adult Termite Sizes
The body length of termites is generally from a few millimeters to a dozen millimeters, and the length of the winged adults is about 10-30 millimeters. However, due to the development of the reproductive glands of the perennial queens, the abdomen is extremely enlarged, and the whole body length can reach 60-70 millimeters. The queen of some species can even exceed 100 mm.
- Large Queen Termites
The queens spend most of their life without wings. The reproductive queens are larger, perhaps over 1" in length without wings. However, the termite queen is normally only found in the underground nest and is rarely seen.
- Worker and Soldier Termites
Worker termites are as short as 1/8" but grow to be up to 1/4, or maybe as much as 3/8" in length. The soldiers found along with these subterranean termites will be slightly longer.
Termite Egg Size
Termite queens lay thousands of eggs every year. Termite eggs are similar to termite larvae, visible to the naked eye. Termite larvae are very tiny, around a tenth of an inch long. These eggs tend to be hidden under the ground or inside the wood.
Termite Problem
Termites are destructive and insidious insects that silently devour our homes, furniture, clothing, books. They also dig holes in the ground and can still cause devastating damage. Termites mostly live underground, inside walls, or in the wood. Its harm is generally difficult to be found by people. If a termite appears in your home, you should judge the hazard as soon as possible and contact a professional organization for elimination in time.
