| Macrotermitinae | |
|---|---|
| Structure of a Macrotermes natalensis mound | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Subclass: | Pterygota |
| Infraclass: | Neoptera |
| Superorder: | Dictyoptera |
| Order: | see text |
| Family: | Termitidae |
| Subfamily: | Macrotermitinae Kemner, 1934 |
| Genera | |
|
14, see text |
|
Macrotermitinae constitute a subfamily of the harvester termites and allies (family Termitidae). The termites are traditionally classified as order Isoptera, but have been found to be a subgroup of the Blattaria (roaches and allies) and consequently should be treated as part to this group; what taxonomy entomologists eventually will settle upon has not been decided yet.
This subfamily consists of 14 genera and about 350 species. They include Macrotermes bellicosus, whose huge queen can attain a length of 10.6 cm (4.2 in) and breadth of 5.5 cm (2.2 in), making them the largest existing termites. The other adults, on the other hand, are about a third of the size.