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Subterranean termites in various stages of development.
As a colony of subterranean termites (Reticulitermes hesperus) prepares for the annual release of winged reproductives, a predatory Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) approaches the nest for an easy protein meal. Davis, California, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termites. A winged reproductive takes flight. Davis, California, USA
Worker and soldier Reticulitermes subterranean termites. California, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termites of different ages. California, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termites in the nest. 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
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 of different ages.

California, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termites of different ages. California, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termites of different ages.

California, USA
See photo in original gallery.
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013