What type of life cycle or metamorphosis does a termite go through?

Termites undergo what is known as incomplete or gradual metamorphosis. This life cycle is characterized by three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Unlike insects that go through complete metamorphosis, which includes a pupal stage, termites develop directly from nymphs to adults without a transformative pupal phase.

In the case of termites, nymphs resemble smaller versions of the adults and continue to grow and molt until they reach maturity. This gradual change allows the young termites to be more integrated into the colony right from their early stages. They can even take on roles similar to adult termites, such as workers or soldiers, before fully maturing.

Understanding this life cycle is crucial for pest control professionals, as it influences treatment strategies. Effective management often relies on recognizing and targeting termites at various life stages, particularly because nymphs can be numerous and play significant roles within their colonies.