Community identification
Termite (likely a worker)
Reticulitermes spp. (likely a subterranean termite)
- Order & Family
- Blattodea; family Rhinotermitidae
- Size
- Workers are typically 3–6 mm long; reproductive forms are larger and winged.
Natural Habitat
Soil, decaying wood, stumps, and structural timber, usually in concealed, humid colonies. Common in temperate regions.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds mainly on cellulose in wood, leaf litter, and paper, with gut microbes digesting the cellulose.
Behavior Patterns
Eusocial colonies contain workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Workers forage through soil and shelter tubes, avoiding light; this individual appears to be a worker.
Risks & Benefits
Can cause serious structural damage when colonies infest buildings. Ecologically, termites decompose wood and recycle nutrients, improving soil formation.