Which cast member of subterranean termites is responsible for laying eggs?

The cast member of subterranean termites responsible for laying eggs is the primary reproductive. This role is critical within the colony, as the primary reproductive, typically a queen, has the primary function of producing eggs to ensure the growth and sustainability of the colony. The queen can lay thousands of eggs each day, depending on her age and health, which is vital for maintaining the population within a termite colony.

The other cast members, such as soldiers and workers, have different roles. Soldier termites are mainly tasked with the protection of the colony from predators, while worker termites focus on maintaining the nest, foraging for food, and caring for the young. Secondary reproductives exist to help boost the population under specific circumstances, but the primary reproductive holds the principal role in egg production. This underscores the essential structure of termite social organization, where each cast member fulfills specific functions to support the colony's survival and health.