Termite caste system

A colony’s division of labor among reproductive, worker, and soldier individuals. Castes differ in development, anatomy, and tasks, with patterns varying among termite species.

Termite development: The growth and transformation of termites from eggs through juvenile stages to adults. Juveniles can develop into different castes as they molt.
Termite: A social insect in the order Blattodea that feeds mainly on cellulose-rich materials. The caste system is a feature of termite societies, not a universal insect arrangement.
Reticulitermes flavipes: A subterranean termite species native to eastern North America and introduced elsewhere. Its colonies illustrate worker-like individuals that can develop into replacement reproductives.
Ant caste system: The division of labor among reproductive and nonreproductive individuals in ant colonies. Ants also have specialized roles, but their colony organization differs from termites’ developmental pathways.
Ecdysis: The shedding of an insect’s old external cuticle as it grows. Molting provides the stages at which termite development can shift toward a caste.
Termite queen: The primary reproductive female in a termite colony, often capable of laying large numbers of eggs. Her egg production is a central function of the reproductive caste.
Macrotermes bellicosus: A large African fungus-growing termite species with strongly differentiated workers and soldiers. Its conspicuous size differences make caste specialization especially visible.
Honey bee caste system: The division of honey bee colonies into queens, workers, and drones, shaped by development and reproductive function. Honey bee reproductive roles contrast with the continuing presence of a termite king.
Juvenile hormone: An insect hormone that regulates development, reproduction, and other life-history processes. Its levels help regulate caste differentiation and reproductive development.
Termite king: The primary reproductive male that remains with the queen in a termite colony. Unlike many social insects, termites commonly retain a male reproductive partner in the colony.

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