How do termites and ants differ in physical characteristics?

Termites and ants exhibit distinct physical characteristics, one of which is the presence of a "petiole" in ants. This petiole is a narrow waist-like structure that segments the body into distinct thorax and abdomen regions. This feature is unique to ants and serves as an important identification marker, differentiating them from termites, which have a more seamless body structure without a defined petiole.

In contrast, termites tend to have a broad, more continuous body shape, lacking this pronounced segmentation. The absence of a petiole contributes to the overall appearance of termites being more uniform in their thorax and abdomen, creating a more elongated form without the constricted waist typical of ants. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for pest identification and management in wood-destroying insects.