Termites: Isoptera

Physical characteristics: The queen is 0.7 inches (17.8 millimeters) in length, without wings. Her body is mostly reddish yellow, and the abdomen is very large. Soldiers have very dark heads covered with short, bristling hairs. Workers come in two sizes. Both large and small workers have dark bodies and rectangular heads.

Geographic range: These termites range from Mazatlán in western Mexico south to Panama and northern South America.

Habitat: Black-headed nasute termites are found along coastal plains, from sea level to about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters).

Colonies of black-headed nasute termites live in large paperlike nests that are visible on trees, fence posts, and poles. A single colony may have more than one nest. (Illustration by Barbara Duperron. Reproduced by permission.)

Diet: This species feeds on wood, mainly above the ground. The termites build extensive networks of broad tubes along the lower sides of tree branches.

Behavior and reproduction: Colonies live in large paperlike nests that are visible on trees, fence posts, and poles. A single colony may have more than one nest. Each colony is headed by a king and queen.

Black-headed nasute termites and people: This species occasionally attacks homes and other buildings.

Conservation status: This species is not endangered or threatened. ∎