Termite colonies, or termitaries, range in size from several hundred to several million individuals. Common in tropical rain forests, there may be from several dozen to several thousand termitaries per acre of forest. Many species of termites have a caste system, consisting of reproductive individuals, workers, and soldiers. The workers build the nest and provide food and grooming for the greatly enlarged egg-laying female and all other colony members. The soldiers provide protection for the colony, while the reproductive pair ensures a constant supply of eggs. In many species, egg production may approach 30,000 eggs per day.