What is the primary characteristic of the queen subterranean termite?

The primary characteristic of the queen subterranean termite being that she has a large abdomen and has lost her wings is significant because it highlights her role in the colony. Unlike other members of the colony, the queen's primary function is reproduction. Her large abdomen is adapted to accommodate the substantial number of eggs she produces, which can be thousands per day at peak reproduction times. The loss of wings occurs after the mating flight, indicating her transition from a reproductive swarm member to a permanent resident that focuses on colony development.

Understanding this characteristic helps distinguish the queen from other castes, such as soldiers and workers, which have different roles and body types. It also clarifies the misconception that she might be the smallest member of the colony, which is incorrect, as queens are among the largest. Additionally, while the timing of her egg-laying can vary based on environmental conditions, it does not solely occur during winter, and she does not share traits with soldier termites, who are tasked with defense and have specialized morphological features for that function.