How large can a colony of Formosan termites typically become?

Formosan termites are known for their extraordinary colony sizes, which can reach several hundred thousand individuals. This significant population growth can occur because of their highly efficient reproductive capabilities and social structure. A single Formosan termite queen can lay thousands of eggs each day, which contributes to the rapid expansion of the colony. As a result, colonies can grow large enough to cause substantial structural damage and pose serious challenges for pest management.

In contrast, smaller colony sizes represented in the other options do not accurately reflect the nature of Formosan termites. While a few thousand termites may be seen in some termite species, it is not characteristic of Formosan colonies, which can reach immense sizes. A single queen or a few termites do not represent the reality of Formosan termite behavior, as they thrive in large groups, which is part of why they are often considered particularly destructive pests.