Reticulitermes subterranean termites in the nest. Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Termites

These ubiquitous wood-feeding insects are social descendants of cockroaches. Colonies are composed of reproductive males and females, sterile soldiers, and immature stages that perform as workers. Below are images of termites from around the world.

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A newborn termite hatches into a mix of fungal egg-mimics and termite eggs.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA

The orange balls in the Reticulitermes nest are a fungus that assumes the size, texture, and chemical signature of termite eggs. Termites, being blind, can't tell the difference and care for the fungus as if they were their own eggs.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA

Reticulitermes subterranean termites in the nest.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA

Reticulitermes subterranean termites, showing workers of various ages.

Lake Glendale, Illinois, USA

The arboreal nest of Nasutitermes termites.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Reticulitermes subterranean termites in the nest.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA

Canon EOS 50D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 4752x3168 |

Current: 800x534 |

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Keywords: termite bugs development colony caste entomology termite nest social insects isoptera reticulitermes rhinotermitidae subterranean termites worker termites white ants instars colonial insects

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Termites

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