They are less numerous than workers and their sole function is to defend the colony against invaders such as ants. Soldiers mature within a year and live up to 5 years. Difference Between Termites and Ants Figure 3. Termite and Ant. Flying ants and swarming termites are often difficult to distinguish when these insects are seen around residential and commercial buildings.
Termites have relatively straight, beadlike antennae while ants have elbowed antennae.
The ant also has two pair of wings but of unequal size, the front wings much larger than the hind wings. The abdomen of the termite is broadly joined to the thorax while the abdomen and thorax of the ant are joined by a narrow waist called a petiole. Communication in the Colony Termites primarily communicate via chemicals called pheromones. Each colony develops its own characteristic odor. Any intruder is instantly recognized and an alarm pheromone is released that triggers the soldiers to attack the intruder.