What do all worker termites become when they reach maturity?

Worker termites reach maturity and become reproductives under specific circumstances, such as environmental conditions that influence the colony's development and hierarchy. In termite colonies, the typical roles of workers are to care for the young, forage for food, and maintain the nest. However, if the queen and king are removed or perish, the dynamics of the colony change, allowing certain workers to transition into reproductive roles. This ability to become reproductives ensures that the colony can survive and reproduce, even in the absence of its primary breeding individuals.

The other roles in the colony, such as soldiers or foragers, are typically fixed and do not change to become reproductives. Soldiers are specialized for defense, while foragers are focused on finding and bringing food back to the colony. Thus, while workers do not naturally become soldiers or foragers upon maturity, they can transform into reproductives in response to the colony's needs. This transition is a critical aspect of a termite colony's resilience and adaptability.