When a pair of swarming termites find a site, how many eggs does the queen generally lay in her first batch?

When a pair of swarming termites locate an appropriate site to establish a new colony, the queen typically lays a first batch of around 6 to 12 eggs. This moderate number allows the queen to focus her energy on nurturing these initial eggs, providing a foundation for the new colony to grow. Starting with a smaller batch enhances the chances of survival for the young nymphs, as the queen can allocate more resources to their care. This reproductive strategy is essential for the establishment of a healthy colony, ensuring that there are enough workers to begin the delicate process of building and expanding the nest. As time progresses, the queen will significantly increase her egg production, but the initial quantity is critical for the colony's early development.