Which of the following are the three main castes in subterranean termite colonies?

In subterranean termite colonies, the three main castes are indeed the workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Understanding these castes is essential as each group occupies a distinct role in the colony's structure and function.

Workers are the largest caste, responsible for foraging for food, caring for the young, and maintaining the nest. They do not have wings and are sterile, focusing purely on the survival and prosperity of the colony.

Soldiers, as the name implies, are primarily tasked with defending the colony from predators. They possess large mandibles and are equipped to protect the queen, workers, and larvae from threats. Like the workers, they are wingless and cannot reproduce.

Reproductives include both the primary and secondary reproductive members of the colony, such as the queen and kings, who are responsible for mating and producing offspring to ensure the continuation of the colony. This caste is characterized by the presence of wings, particularly during the swarming phase when they leave the colony to establish new colonies.

Recognizing the roles of each caste illustrates the complex social structure of termite colonies and highlights the interdependencies that maintain their survival and effectiveness.