Difference Between Ants and Termites

Termites are insects that are known to cause damages, worth billions of dollars around the world. Ants are also insects but they do not bring any damages to mankind.

Termites build nests towering towards the sky whereas the ants build nests either under the ground or in the leaves.

Ants and termites are very small insects with much difference in their body features. The termites have wide bodies and short legs when compared to ants that have small bodies and long legs.  Unlike the ants, the termites do not have eyes. It is through the antenna that the termites feel around.

Now talking of termites, they have soft body, without the hard exoskeleton that is visible in ants. The termite workers and soldiers are light or white coloured. The soldiers have darker heads than the workers. When talking of the kings and queens, they differ from one species to another in respect of colour and size.  However, in general, the termite kings and queens have straight beaded antennae, broad waist, two wing pairs (of same size), narrow veins in the wings and short legs.

When compared to termites, ants are more agile. When looking at the Ant king and queen, they have elbowed antennae, two wing sets (rear wings smaller then front wings), narrow waist and long legs.
Another difference that can be seen between the two insects, is in their food habits. While the ants go out into the open in search of food, the termites prefer not to go out in search of food.  Ants are known to eat anything that comes in its way. On the other hand, termites eat only wood and paper products.

Summary:

1. Termites build nests towering towards the sky, whereas the ants build nests either under the ground or in the leaves.
2. The termites have wide bodies and short legs when compared to ants that have small bodies and long legs.
3. Unlike the ants, the termites do not have eyes.
4. Termites have soft bodies, without the hard exoskeleton that is visible in ants.
5. The termite kings and queens have straight beaded antennae, broad waist, two wing pairs (of same size), narrow veins in the wings and short legs.  When looking at the Ant king and queen, they have elbowed antennae, two wing sets (rear wings smaller then front wings), narrow waist and long legs.
6. When compared to termites, ants are more agile.