What is the life cycle stage of a termite that is responsible for reproduction?

The queen termite is the primary reproductive individual in a termite colony. Her main role is to produce offspring and maintain the population of the colony. A queen can lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime, and she often controls the reproductive activities of the colony, ensuring that there is a consistent supply of new termites.

Other castes in the termite community, such as workers and soldiers, have specific roles that are crucial for the survival and functioning of the colony but do not participate in reproduction. Worker termites are responsible for foraging, caring for the young, and maintaining the nest, while soldier termites protect the colony from predators. Nymphs are immature termites that will grow into either workers, soldiers, or reproductive individuals, but they do not reproduce until they reach maturity. Thus, the reproductive function is distinctly attributed to the queen.