What role do sterile females in social insects primarily fulfill?

Sterile females in social insects primarily fulfill the role of engaging in worker tasks, which encompasses a wide range of activities that support the colony. These tasks may include foraging for food, caring for the queen’s offspring, maintaining and cleaning the nest, and defending the colony from intruders. This cooperative behavior is crucial for the survival and success of the colony as a whole, allowing reproductive females (the queens) to focus on reproduction.

While pheromone production, egg laying, and defense are important roles within the colony, they are typically associated with specific individuals. For instance, egg-laying is predominantly the responsibility of the queen, and defense may involve both workers and specialized soldiers depending on the species. However, the primary focus of sterile females is on the worker tasks, which are vital for the ongoing functionality and sustainability of the colony.