What Do Subterranean Termites Look Like?
Subterranean termite colonies are made up of different castes, and each has a different role and appearance. The termites you could encounter may look quite different depending on whether they are workers, soldiers, or reproductives.
Workers – Worker termites are small, wingless, soft-bodied insects that are usually creamy white. They have straight, bead-like antennae and are blind. Workers forage for food, feed other members of the colony, and perform much of the work required to maintain the colony. Because subterranean termites typically travel through soil, wood, and mud tubes, workers usually remain hidden from view.
Soldiers – Soldier termites are also wingless and blind. They have pale bodies and noticeably larger, darker heads than workers, with prominent mandibles used to defend the colony. Soldiers generally remain with other termites rather than venturing out on their own, so finding one usually means part of the colony has been disturbed or exposed.
Reproductives – Winged reproductive termites, called alates or swarmers, look quite different from workers and soldiers. They have dark brown to nearly black bodies, straight antennae, and two pairs of long wings that are approximately equal in length. Their wings extend well beyond the abdomen. After a male and female pair leave the colony, mate, and establish a new colony, they shed their wings and become the king and queen.
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