Termites (Large)

Termites, also known as white ants, are a phylogenetic order of swarming insects that are best known because some species feed on dead wood and cause damage to the constructed environment. Around 2,750 species have been described so far.

Termites only superficially resemble ants; their “white ant” name is probably due to their similar size and social habits.

Termites have biting mouthparts and their soft bodies are small, rarely over 10 mm in length. They typically inhabit dark nests and tunnels, only venturing out when the winged alates emerge to leave their parent colony, when constructing shelter or, in the case of grass-eaters, when harvesting grass stems. The bodies of flying individuals are dark, while termites which remain in the nest are whitish with only their heads being lightly pigmented. The deciduous wings of termites are long and slender, in two pairs that are similarly sized and shaped.