Coptotermes, soldier Formosan soldiers are distinctive in that they have an oval-shaped head rather than an elongated one like other native subterraneans. Formosans are much more aggressive than other native termites. They can be found some 500 feet from the colony. Their sole purpose in life, to defend the colony. Heterotermes, soldier Heterotermes soldiers have rectangular shaped heads and the soldier's length is one and a half times its width.
Soldiers also have mandibles and a fontanelle or frontal gland pore.
Heterotermes, alate Heterotermes alates or swarmers have dark brown bodies, almost black in color and measure approximately three-eighths of an inch which includes their wings. A frontal gland or fontanelle is present but may be inconspicuous. Their wings are translucent yet have two dark veins. Reticulitermes, alate This swarmer measures three-eighths of an inch, which includes its wings. Their bodies are dark brown and have dark brownish-gray wings with a few visible hairs.