Soldier Syntermes are among the largest termites in South America. This individual is guarding a nest entrance.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Unlike soldier ants that are usually larger than workers, soldier nasute termites are often smaller.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Reticulitermes hesperus, the western subterranean termite.

California, USA
Glyptotermes Drywood Termite (Kalotermitidae)

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The largest termites in North America are Zootermopsis dampwood termites, found in the west.  The impressive jaws of this soldier are used to fight against competing colonies of the same species.

Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA
The largest termites in North America are Zootermopsis dampwood termites, found in the west.  The impressive jaws of this soldier are used to fight against competing colonies of the same species.

Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termite, soldier.

Illinois, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termite, soldier.

Illinois, USA
A Reticulitermes soldier termite lunges at the camera.

Illinois, USA
Soldier Syntermes are among the largest termites in South America. This individual is guarding a nest entrance.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Soldier Syntermes are among the largest termites in South America. This individual is guarding a nest entrance.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Soldier Syntermes are among the largest termites in South America. This individual is guarding a nest entrance.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013