What is the main duty of a worker termite?

The main duty of a worker termite is to feed soldiers and perform various labor-intensive tasks that support the overall health and function of the colony. Worker termites are responsible for foraging for food, which typically consists of cellulose found in wood and plant materials. They also take care of nesting and tunnel construction, as well as nurturing the young termites and providing sustenance to the queen and the soldiers.

While it's true that worker termites play a vital role in the colony by assisting with many tasks, their primary focus is on maintaining the colony’s daily needs. This includes not just feeding the soldiers but also feeding the queen and the nymphs. Their cooperative behaviors ensure that the colony thrives, making them indispensable to its operation. The other roles mentioned, such as defending the colony or reproducing, are handled by soldiers and reproductive termites, respectively, emphasizing the diverse specialization within the termite community.