Termites such as Pterotermes occidentis are social insects,
like some bees, all ants, and some wasps. These termites live in
colonies composed of a queen, king, workers, which may be
female or male but always sterile, and soldiers. The division of
labor among colony members is associated with marked differences
in behavior and form. Workers protect and care for the
queen and her offspring. The king mates with the queen. Certain
workers become soldiers, which develop enlarged mandibles
for defense of the colony and aggressive behavior patterns.
The reproducing queen is much larger than other members of
her colony, with the exception of the king; her role in the colony
is reproduction.