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Termite Larvae

While adult reproductive termites are not usually responsible for structural damage, it is essential the worker termite be exterminated to eliminate an entire infestation. Termites follow the typical life cycle of some insects that have a gradual life cycle: they begin as eggs, and then enter larval stage and then worker and nymph to the adult reproductive stages.

Termite larvae typically hatch within a few weeks. They are approximately the same size as the eggs from which they hatched and are immediately tended to by worker termites. Unlike insects such as the carpet beetle, termite larvae do not directly cause damage to infested homes. However, they comprise a large part of a termite colony and require constant feeding; worker termites feed on wood in order to feed the colony's larvae. 

Similar to other insect young, termite larvae go through a series of molts, during which they shed their skins, before developing into mature adults. Typically, termite larvae molt five times before becoming adults. From the larval stage, termite larvae can evolve into members of any of the colony's castes. 

Larvae are cared for by moving them from location to location in order to avoid intolerable temperatures. The colonies themselves are designed to ensure that delivery of food to larvae and relocation of larvae are possible. 

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Termite Nests / Mounds

Termite Life Cycle