What is the Life Cycle of a Termite?

Termites go through a unique life cycle that results in their development into one of a few different types of termite castes. The basic rundown of a termite life cycle is as follows:

1. The queen termite lays the eggs she has been producing.
2. After the queen termite lays her eggs, young larvae will hatch.
3. The larva will molt until it reaches maturity in its designated caste, which can take up to three molts.
4. From there, the termite will fulfill its specific duties and live out its life performing its various functions.

Stages of Termite Life

Every termite life cycle begins when the reproductive caste, also known as alates or swarmers, swarm in warm weather to begin new colonies. After fertilizing, these swarmers will often shed their wings and become either the king or queen of their newly established colony. The queen can lay thousands of eggs, which hatch into larvae. A young nymph termite will molt three times before being assigned as a worker, soldier, or swarmer.

How Long Do Termites Live For?

The lifespan of a termite depends on its caste as well as its species. In general, termites live for the following amounts of time:

• Worker and soldier termites typically live anywhere from 10 to 14 months.
• Reproductive termites, also known as alates or swarmers, can live to be 4 years old.
• The reproductive females, the queen termites, live much longer than every other type and have been known to survive for two or more decades under optimal conditions.

How Are Termites Designated into Castes?

It is mostly unknown how exactly a termite is designated into one caste or another. Research has suggested that it is likely determined by social and environmental cues based on the needs of the colony. Further investigations have concluded that the specific caste each termite is assigned isn’t always set in stone; depending on the colony, some termites may develop into an entirely new caste well into its adulthood.