The Life Cycle Of The Typical Termite Worker
The Life Cycle Of The Typical Termite Worker
Many people are fascinated by the fact that termite queens can live for several decades while producing thousands of eggs every day. Queens belonging to some termite species can live for up to fifty years. This information is often featured on internet articles that contain lists of interesting insect facts. These types of lists typically do not go into the specifics of the termite life cycle; instead they exist to give people interesting factoids to tell their friends. However, there are many interesting aspects about termite development that many people would probably be interested in knowing about. For example, a termite’s place in the caste system is not determined when they hatch. In fact, it is not until the nymphal stage that a termite’s place within their society is determined. In order to understand why some termite larvae become reproductives as opposed to soldiers or workers, a more comprehensive understanding of the termite life cycle is necessary.
Termites start out as tiny transparent eggs that are laid by a fertilized queen. When colonies are first being formed, queens undertake child care duties by storing their eggs in safe places within the nest. These safe locations include underground nests, wall interiors, and special nurseries are constructed by mound-building termites. Once enough workers and soldiers are produced, the workers will begin to care for the developing termite offspring full time. Termite eggs grow significantly before they hatch. Termite eggs will increase in size by thirty percent shortly before hatching. Eggs develop at varying speeds depending on climate. The warmer and more humid the climate, the faster an egg will develop. Termite eggs usually develop within twenty six to thirty days. Once termite larvae emerge from the eggs, worker termites waste no time tending to the needs of the larvae. Once the larvae reach the nymphal stage, their place in the caste system is finally determined. Larvae can become workers, soldiers or reproductives. The needs of the colony serve as the only factors that determine where a larvae will be placed within the caste system. Both worker and soldier termites typically live for around two years.
Have you ever spotted termite eggs in a termite infested structure?