What characteristic distinguishes termites and ants in terms of body structure?

Termites are characterized by their body structure, which features a less defined or absent waist, leading to a more cylindrical shape throughout their body. This is in contrast to ants, which exhibit a distinct constriction between the thorax and abdomen, giving them a pinched or waisted appearance. The differences in body structure are essential for identification purposes; understanding these distinctions helps pest management professionals accurately differentiate between termites and ants in the field.

In addition, other options don't accurately describe the physical characteristics of these insects. Ants do not have more legs than termites, as both insects have six legs. The claim that ants have larger wings than termites is also misleading, as wing size can vary but is not a definitive feature distinguishing between the two groups. Thus, the absence of a defined waist is a key identifying feature of termites.