Content:
- What are Termites?
- What are Ants?
- Ants and Termites’ Similarities
- Differences Between Ants and Termites
- Conclusion
No, ants and termites are not the same. Ants vs termites – they share many similarities that have prompted many people to assume that these insects are the same.
However, this assumption cannot be further away from the truth, as these insects have distinct features that make them unique but different. Although termites are sometimes called white ants, it doesn’t make them the same.
Have you ever noticed the similarities between ants and termites and wondered if they are the same or somehow related? Well, many people share the same thought on the matter, especially after witnessing the rare cases of winged ants.
However, you would be highly incorrect to pitch both insects as the same. Ants vs termites – are they the same? Despite their shared features, the answer is no. This article will closely examine ants and termites, highlighting their similarities, differences, and general behaviors.
What are Termites?
A termite is a tiny insect from the Blattodea order, with other insects like cockroaches. This insect is eusocial, which means it thrives in a group of other termites. A group of termites is called a colony, and they are a highly organized and integrated unit.
Like ants, bees, and some other bugs, sterile termites in a colony are often divided into two groups of workers and soldiers. The fertile males are called kings, while the few fertile females are queens; they rarely do any work, as their primary assignment is to reproduce and expand the colony.
Over 3,100 described species of termites occupy habits in every continent except Antarctica.
But the species are closely related, having very similar behavioral characteristics. Termite queens are famous for their long lifespan, often between 30 – 50 years, which is the longest of any insect. The physical features of termites include;
- Size: Termites differ in size, depending on their specie. But they are often tiny, ranging between ¼ – ½ inch, while the queens can grow to the size of a human finger.
- Color: Different termite species and caste have different colors. The queen and other reproductive termites are usually darker, while the workers have whitish bodies. The soldiers and underground workers are cream-colored termites with large, usually orange heads.
- Wings and Antennae: Like most other insects, termites have a pair of visible antennas. Their antennae are short and straight on their hard head. Some species of reproductive termites also have wings that they use during the nuptial flight.
The nuptial flight is a mating flight that occurs only once per year. It features a swam of reproductive termites that fly out to mate and start new colonies.
What are Ants?
Ants are tiny insects from the Formicidae family, and they belong to the order Hymenoptera with other popular insects like bees and wasps. They are eusocial and live in groups called societies or colonies, where they form integrated units.
They are about 22,000 estimated ant species worldwide, but only about 14,000 have been identified and correctly classified. Ants are indigenous to every continent except Antarctica, which is not very habitable for most ant species.
Ants are known for their outstanding organization, which is a result of their eusocial nature. Colonies often consist of few fertile males and females, known as drones and queens. The sterile majority are divided into two groups: ergates (workers) and denigrates (soldiers).
These groups often help them survive better, as they can easily modify habitats and defend themselves from predators. Ants have a keen sense of communication, which is the basis for their success in labor division and problem-solving skills.
The physical qualities of ants are often similar to most species, and it includes;
- Head: Ants have large, strong heads joined to their upper body. It often features two compound eyes, powerful jaws, and a pair of elbowed antennae unique from other bugs’.
- Size: Ants are generally tiny, with adult ants being about ⅓ – ½ inches long. The queens are often more giant, having body lengths of up to 2½ inches covered with extended wings.
- Color: Ants have different colors depending on the species. But they are often red or black, with a few species featuring other colors like green.
Ants and Termites’ Similarities
Ants and termites may be two different insects, but they share several similarities that have brought many to the incorrect conclusion that they are somehow related. Here, let’s look at some features and characteristics shared between these insects.
- Ant and termites both vary in size depending on the specie. But most species have tiny bodies divided into three sections: a strong head and a softer medium and lower section.
- Both insects have six tiny legs designed for fast movement. They also have a pair of antennae each, and some members of their colonies possess flight wings.
- They are both eusocial in nature and live in colonies divided into castes. Both colonies also feature queens and kings, workers, and soldiers.
- Both insects do not directly threaten humans, but they have annoying pestilent behaviors that humans find pretty disturbing.
Differences Between Ants and Termites
Termites are often referred to as white ants because of how similar they look. But irrespective of the significant similarities between these insects, the two are very different and not slightly related.
The critical differences between ants and termites include;
- Ants belong to the Hymenoptera order with insects like bees and wasps, while termites hail from the order Blattodea.
- Ants have elbowed antennae, different from the straight, beaded antennae that termites possess. Winged ants feature different wings, while termites have equally sized wings. Ants also carry dark colors, unlike the much lighter termites.
- Termites feed on cellulose, a joint organic compound found in wood, paper, and other plant materials. On the other hand, ants are omnivorous, which means they can eat anything from plants to dead and live animals.
- Termites have a much longer life cycle, which translates to a longer lifespan. Worker termites outlive worker ants, which queen termites have the most extended lifespan among insects.
Conclusion
Ants and termites are two tiny insects that share many similarities between them, including a societal lifestyle where they find strength in their numbers. They also make annoying pests that can wreak havoc in your home.
But are ants and termites the same? The answer is no, and this article has explained their similarities and differences.
