What does a termite look like?

Termites are one of the most numerous soil dwelling insects on the face of this planet. They are found in almost every continent. Their diversity however, is at its most abundant in the tropics. There are possibly over 3000 species of termites in existence; so far only 2600 species have been recorded. Despite this however, termites are little known creatures. Why is this so?

Few people know what do termites look like at all. They always mistake ants for termites and vice versa. The fact is, termites are not ants, and ants are not termites. Yet, termites often are called "white ants." This may be because termites have the characteristic habit of hiding away from the light, for they are delicate and fragile insects. Ants on the other hand, are always scurrying around in the open, and therefore everyone knows what an ant looks like.

The key to termite identification is in their morphology, or basic form. Termites do not have the appearance of a waist. Their body looks linear and rather grub-like in many cases. Ants on the other hand, do have a slim waist and a well defined abdomen in all cases. Another big difference is that baby ants look like grubs, whereas baby termites look like white miniatures of their adult form. For ants, their development pattern is called complete metamorphosis, and for termites, incomplete metamorphosis. So as you can see, there are major differences between ants and termites.

Termites also possess antennae that can curve and straighten according to will, but ants are unable to bend their antennae. This results in termites being able to clean their antennae directly with their mouths, but ants have to use their forelegs to comb their antennae. Again, this is a major difference.

Termites are also expert builders and can construct edifices many times their size, which are made of soil, and using their saliva as cement. Ants lack such abilities, but there are a few ant species that can also construct huge nests - underground. In many ways, ants seem to be more primitive than termites, although at first glance, it is termites that seem more primitive!

Termite identification is not that hard once you've seen many termite pictures and ant pictures, and can understand the differences between them. And why should you know how termites look like? It helps when you spot them in your house, for you can then call a pest control company to take remedial measures. Otherwise, your home could be at risk, as some (not all) species of termites do infest the woodwork in homes and devour the woodwork, reducing once strong beams to hollow skeletons. Remember, termites mostly eat wood!