Subterranean termites

Subterranean termites are social insects that live on colonies in the soil. They contain three forms of castes

(1) Reproductives---(2) Workers(Pseudergates)---(3) Soldiers

Individuals of each caste have several stages. the egg that develops into a pseudogate and eventually into branchypterous nymph or soldier and adult.

Reproductives

They have three forms primary, Secondary and tertiary reproductive. Each can produce new off springs

Primary reproductives (Swarmers or alates): Color varies from coal black to pale yellow brown. Wings may be pale or smoky gray to brown. They are ¼ to 3/8 inches in length.

Secondary and Tertiary reproductives: White cream colored. They have short wing buds. Supplemental reproductives including a group of males, workers & soldiers.

Workers ( Pseudergates )

Make up the largest number of individuals within a colony. They are wingless. White to creamy in color. 3/8 inches in length. They feed the other castes, groom the queen.

Soldiers

Body is creamy white in color have large well developed heads. have strong mandibles

Damage characteristics

Sub teranean termites are the most destructive insect pest of in the world. Cellulose is the main food source of subterranean termites. These termites can attack structures and enter buildings through wood in direct contact with soil.

Termites are social insects that live in highly organized colonies. Like many insects. Termites have a egg, immature and adult stage. Termites belong to the Order Isoptera. The four groups of termites worker, soldier, immature individuals and reproductives have a particular role in the colony. The workers which are sterile, blind and wingless tend the eggs feed the soldiers and the young. Protozoan living in the termites digestive tract convert wood to sugar. Purpose of the Soldiers is to defend the colony. reproductives supply the colony with new individuals . Queen is usually sealed into a chamber where they are tended by workers. Most termites are whitish. Winged termites are darker in color. Termites are six legged .Their bodies are soft. There are two main types of termites.

(1) Subterranean Termites-------------------------(2) Dry wood Termites

Dry wood Termites

Dry wood termites are social insects that form colonies in dry wood. The colony is composed of three castes of termite reproductive, soldiers, and workers ( Pseudergates ). The dry wood termites pass through three growth stages. Egg, worker and adult. they very in colour from dark brown or light yellowish tan . Initially winged but lose their wings after swarming. Wings almost clear to smoky gray body 11 to 14 mm in length. produces eggs in colonies.

Solders

Dry wood soldiers resemble workers in color and general appearance. Have large well developed heads. Head is brownish to yellowish brown in color. Soldiers have strong mandibles. Body is 8mm in length. They protects and defends the colony from out side invaders.

Workers ( Pseudergates)

Resemble workers in color. They have a well developed head Head is brownish to yellowish brown in color. Have strong mandibles. Body is 8mm in length

Damage characteristics

These Termites consume both the harder wood and the soft wood of timber. This leaves a sculptured appearance to their galleries