To recognize Conehead termites, one can look at their soldier caste, which features a cone-shaped head, dark brown in color, attached to cream-colored bodies. These elongated creatures measure approximately 3-4mm in length and possess six legs and two long antennae. Interestingly, unlike other termite colonies where soldiers comprise only 1-2% of the population, in Conehead termite colonies, soldiers make up a substantial 20-30%. The rest of the colony has a more ordinary appearance, with cream-colored bodies and less distinctive heads.
An additional distinguishing characteristic lies in their nests and tunnels. Unlike most termite species that keep their nests concealed beneath the ground, Conehead termites construct nests resembling balls of chewed wood, which can be observed above ground in the grass, trees, and bushes. Furthermore, their tunnels are made of mud, appearing as ½-inch wide freestanding tubes along the sides of buildings, mortar joints of brick, and other surfaces.