Figure 10.12 Termite colonies (a) A massive termite colony located in the Northern Territory, Australia. (b) A queen termite (Macrotermes gilvus) living deep inside a colony surrounded by workers. Because her primary role is egg production, the queen’s abdomen is much larger than that of workers and soldiers.

Photos by (a) Thomas P. Widmann/picture-alliance/DUMONT Bildar/Newscom and (b) Anthony Bannister/NHPA/Science Source.