Termite life starts when the winged reproductive termites, called alates or swarmers, take flight to establish new colonies. Once a male and female alate mate, they shed their wings and the new king and queen settle into a small underground chamber. There, the queen begins laying eggsโup to 30,000 a day! The eggs hatch into larvae, which eventually develop into nymphs. These nymphs will molt three times before becoming either reproductive termites, workers, or soldiers.
How Long Do Termites Live?
Termite lifespan varies depending on their role within the colony. Worker termites typically live for about one to two years, while soldiers usually have a slightly shorter life span, often around six months to a year. Reproductive termites, like the king and queen, have the longest lifespansโqueens can live for several decades, and kings can live for several years.
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How Are Termites Assigned a Caste?
While itโs largely unknown how exactly termites are assigned their castes, scientists believe it happens through a combination of genetic factors and environmental conditions. When the eggs hatch, the larvae are all similar, but their future roles in the colony are determined by their diet and the needs of the colony.ย
As larvae, theyโre fed different foods based on their intended casteโworker, soldier, or reproductive. For instance, those destined to become workers are given a diet that supports their growth and development into foragers and builders, while those being groomed for the soldier caste are given special nutrition to develop strong defensive features. The queen and king are developed from a select group of larvae and are raised in special chambers where they undergo unique developmental stages to prepare them for their reproductive roles.
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