Eastern Subterranean Termites

Clear to white, wingless termites. The smaller termites (highlighted in the first photo) are worker termites, while the larger termites with dark mandibles are soldiers.

Termites are social insects which divide labor in a caste system. Worker termites are sterile--and function as food and water supply, construction workers and repairmen of the nest, and egg/young caregivers. Soldier termites, as their name implies, are primarily responsible for colony defense. Interestingly enough, soldiers are incapable of feeding themselves and rely solely upon the worker termites for regurgitated food.