Termites have long been viewed as nothing more than mere "pests" in the eyes of man. Known to many as "white ants", termites are chemically complex insects that have antennae, thick waists, mouthparts, and primitive wings, which resemble those of cockroaches. It is for this reason that their nickname, "white ants", is incorrect because ants have thin waists and elbowed antennae. In fact the termites mortal enemy is the ant. But, Termites are like ants only in their habit of living together, called colonies, and their small stature. There are two types of termites: soil dwelling termites and wood dwelling termites. .
Termite society is quite Similar to the society carried out in the medieval ages. For example, both termites and the medieval monarchies have three classes, higher; middle; and lower. In most termites" colonies, some are workers and others are soldiers. While the highest is the royal or reproductive class which is made up of fully developed males and females.
The "working" class obviously does all the work, such as enlarging the nest, making tunnels, and providing water and food for the colony. They also make up the larger population of the colony. Tiny and blind they consist of pale, white, wingless, soft bodies. .
Of all the termites, the soldiers most closely resemble other insects. They are dark colored and strong jawed. For instance, some soldiers have either a hooked, toothed, or saw-like jaws that are used to defend the colony from invaders or predators even if it means self-sacrifice. Soil dwelling termite soldiers have a special gland on the head that "secretes defensive chemicals". Another fact about the soldiers is that they are sterile, with no purpose than to protect the colony.
Dark bodied, winged, female termites are known as the queens. The queens give birth to thousands and even millions of termites. Therefore they are known as the mothers of all. Although it is uncertain as to the exact number of years queens live it is estimated to be at least 10 years (Some even suggest 40 years).
