False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the head of a soldier termite Reticulitermes hesperus. At centre, the rounded head lacks eyes, and there are mites crawling on the head. A pair of segment- ed antennae can be seen. Palps and biting mouth- parts (centre left) are this soldier's weapons of attack and defence. The narrow, wingless thorax with thoracic legs is at lower right. Soldier termites of Reticulitermes hesperus are smaller than the reproductive individuals in the colony; they are sterile with reproductive organs only slightly developed. Their role is to guard the nest. Reticulitermes lives in northern temperate regions. Mag: x50 at 4x5 inch, x30 at 6x7cm size.