Termites are social insects belonging to the order Isoptera. They are known for their ability to feed on cellulose-based materials such as wood, paper, and plant debris. Termites live in colonies that can range in size from a few hundred to millions of individuals, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

1. Lifespan: The lifespan of an individual termite varies depending on its caste within the colony. Worker termites, which are responsible for foraging, feeding, and maintaining the colony, typically live for one to two years. Soldiers, whose primary role is to defend the colony, have a similar lifespan. Reproductive termites, also known as alates or swarmers, have the shortest lifespan, typically living only a few weeks to a few months after they emerge from the colony to mate and establish new colonies.

2. Egg production: Termite queens, the primary reproductive females within the colony, are capable of laying large numbers of eggs throughout their lifetime. A mature termite queen can produce thousands to millions of eggs each year, depending on the species and the size and age of the colony. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then develop into different castes depending on their feeding and behavioral roles within the colony.

3. Overall, termite colonies can persist for many years, with the queen continually producing new eggs to replenish the population. This reproductive capacity is one of the reasons why termite infestations can become widespread and challenging to control without proper management strategies.