Subterranean Termite

Subterranean termites are social insects that live in nests or colonies in the soil. These colonies contain three forms: reproductives, workers and soldiers. Workers are wingless, white to creamy white. Soldiers are similar to workers, except that soldiers have large, well-developed brownish heads with strong mandibles or jaws. Reproductive males and females can be winged or wingless. Primary reproductives are called swarmers or alates. The colour varies by species from coal black to pale yellow-brown.

A swarming pair makes a very small nest before mating. Initially, the new queen termite lays only a few eggs. The male, or king remains with the female. After a termite colony matures, which requires 4 years or more, swarmers (primary reproductives) are produced. Swarming usually occurs from May to September, at dusk. These swarms ensure the continuing cycle of the colony. 

Subterranean termites derive their nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose. Paper, cotton, and other plant products often are actively attacked and consumed by termites. Subterranean termites cannot digest cellulose directly. They depend on large numbers of one-celled animals living in the termite hind gut to break down the cellulose to simple acetic acid, which termites can digest.