ExploreInsects

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Reticulitermes flavipes

Eastern Subterranean Termites are tiny insects that live in colonies underground. They help break down wood and dead plants, which is great for the environment!

Habitat: Underground in forests and urban areas

Appearance

The Eastern Subterranean Termite is mostly creamy white to pale yellow with a soft body, though winged reproductives are dark brown or black. Workers have a broad waist and straight antennae, unlike ants which have pinched waists. Soldiers possess distinctive, larger brownish heads with strong mandibles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderBlattodeaFamilyRhinotermitidaeGenusReticulitermes
Eastern Subterranean Termite
social trait badgeburrowing trait badgeherbivorous trait badgedecomposer trait badge
Eastern Subterranean Termite

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A queen termite can lay thousands of eggs every single day for many years! Wow!

These ancient insects have existed on Earth for over 100 million years! Wow!

They create a super intricate network of tunnels inside wood, like tiny underground highways! Wow!

Worker termites are completely blind, but they navigate their tunnels perfectly using senses. Wow!

Special abilities

Ability

Wood-Digester

Eastern Subterranean Termite can digest tough wood because of special microbes in its gut that break down cellulose for food.

Ability

Mud Tube Builder

Eastern Subterranean Termite has amazing mud tunnels that help them travel safely and stay moist while searching for food.

Ability

Chemical Talker

Eastern Subterranean Termite can leave invisible scent trails called pheromones that help their colony find food and follow each other.

Ability

Soldier Defender

Eastern Subterranean Termite has soldiers with large, strong jaws that help them bravely protect the colony from invaders.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
16-20 mm
Size
3-10 mm
Lifespan
365-730 days
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
5000000

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat dead plants, especially wood, by digesting tough plant fibers for energy.

Primary Foods

  • Dead wood
  • Cellulose (paper, cardboard)
  • Decaying leaves
  • Plant debris

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Allegheny Mound Ant

Formica exsectoides

Ants often raid termite colonies for food.

eaten by

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

Birds prey on swarming termites during their flights.

eaten by

Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Arigiope aurantia

Spiders often catch winged termites in their webs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Termites are not harmful to people, but it's best to leave them alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eastern Subterranean Termite's wingspan?

16-20 mm

How big is Eastern Subterranean Termite?

3-10 mm

How long does Eastern Subterranean Termite live?

365-730 days

What does Eastern Subterranean Termite eat?

They mostly eat dead plants, especially wood, by digesting tough plant fibers for energy.

Where is Eastern Subterranean Termite usually found?

Underground in forests and urban areas

How does Eastern Subterranean Termite hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Eastern Subterranean Termite have?

6

How large are Eastern Subterranean Termite colonies?

5000000

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects