Subterranean termites are social insects. This means that there are worker, soldier, queen, and king termites. The role of the king termite is not fully understood. King termites are not well studied beyond their role in starting and maintaining viable colonies. King termites are male termites which are important in the evolution of a successful termite colony.
Male or king termites are created in a colony by the evolvement of the nymph termites into either neotenic reproductives or alates (winged reproductives). Neotenics stay in the colony whereas alates leave the colony as winged reproductives.
When a king termite is created by a nymph, the term is usually reserved for male termites which are alates or winged reproductive termites. Male termites created within the colony which are destined to stay within the colony are not usually referred to as “kings.”
When alates leave the colony in a “nuptial flight,” the termites fly or “swarm” into the air outside of the colony. The shell of the termite is generally dark and hardened compared to the worker shell which is soft, pliable, and sensitive to ambient conditions. When a female swarmer or alate finds a mate, they land, break off their wings and the king termite follows the female in very close proximity. While the male mouthparts and antennae are in close proximity to the female, the female exudes a scent or pheromone which allows the male to remain near the abdomen of the female.
When a suitable nesting area is found, the pair start a new colony. While the production of eggs will take some time, the king termite will ensure that the colony will continue. The king termite stays with the queen or female, to ensure a successful colony.