Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. These eggs will eventually be nursed by termites from the first batch of eggs. Coptotermes gestroi is similar (see Fact Sheet no. Common name: Termite Scientific Name: Varies Order: Isoptera Description:Drywood termites are light yellow to black with clear to smoky gray wings, about 7/16 inch long. The Formosan termite is often nicknamed the super-termite because of its destructive habits due to the large size of its colonies and its ability to consume wood at a rapid rate. The Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) is native to mainland China, but has been spread throughout the world by human activity. Scientific Name. [3] A colony is surrounded by an extensive foraging system consisting of tunnels underneath the ground, with a mature colony containing millions of termites. In general the termite does not have the narrow waist and segmented body of the ant. With possibly more than 10 million mouths to feed in their colonies, Formosan termites … Cooperative Extension. GAINESVILLE—A new subterranean termite recently discovered in South Florida may be just as destructive as the dreaded Formosan termite, say University of Florida scientists. University of California. The Formosan subterranean termite acquired its name because it was first described in Taiwan in the early 1900s, but Coptotermes formosanus is probably endemic to Taiwan and southern China. [12] Historic structures in Hawaii have been threatened, such as Iolani Palace in Honolulu. They have translucent wings that are densely covered with small hairs. Within two to four weeks, young termites hatch from the eggs. ( https://www.cabi.org/cpc ); and Su N-Y, Scheffrahn RH (2019) Formosan subterranean termite. This destructive species was apparently transported t… Coptotermes formosanus, known in its native China as the ‘House White Ant’, was introduced to the southeast USA likely in the 1950s, where it is known as the Formosan subterranean termite. After a brief flight, alates shed their wings. The two types of termites that are commonly confused with each other are the formosan termites and the subterranean termites. The ground provides the moisture needed by the subterranean termites. Scientific Name. The Formosan termite (Coptotermes formosanus) is a species of termite that has been transported worldwide from its native range in southern China to Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa, where it gets its name), Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka,[1] Hawaii, and the continental United States. Subterranean termite’s scientific name is Rhinotermitidae, genus Reticulitermes, Coptotermes and Heterotermes. Appearance. One to two months later, the queen lays the second batch of eggs. Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), were collected from monitoring stations by using the method of Su and Scheffrahn (1986). Currently the Formosan subterranean termite is found across the southern U.S. and is spreading inward, but winter temperatures will probably halt permanent establishment beyond a northern limit. When they find a food source above ground they build a safe pathway or “mud tube” to create a connection from their home to the food. When they find a food source above ground they build a safe pathway or “mud tube” to create a connection from their home to the food. Formosan Termite Habitat. These results indicate that differences observed in colony fitness can be partially explained by nutritional value of the food treatment, raising the possibility that wood from different tree species has different nutritional values to the Formosan subterranean termites. Messenger, M.T., N.Y. Su, and R.H. Scheffrahn. Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL) Source: Biological Invasion (Springer Nature Switzerland) Abstract. Their bodies are pale yellow to brownish yellow in color. Desert termite alates’ wings and bodies are light brown but subterranean termites have black bodies and transparent wings with veins. Coptotermes gestroi is a ve… What they need for activity are … Pest Notes are peer-reviewed scientific publications about specific pests or pest management topics, directed at California's home and landscape audiences. [15] In North America, C. formosanus creates significantly bigger colonies, and therefore more damage, than native US termites, which reside underground and enter buildings only to forage. Klinkii. Wongkobrat A, 1988. Kirton and Brown (2003) determined that "Haviland's subterranean termite," Coptotermes havilandi Holmgren, was a newer second name given to a termite that already had the name Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann). Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Galveston Bay Estuary Program; Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC). It is native to tropical regions of Asia. Or, to display all related content view all resources for Formosan Subterranean Termite. The workers and soldiers may live 3–5 years with caste proportions around 360 workers per 40 soldiers. Termites have two pair of equal length wings while ants have two pair of unequal length wings. Scientific name: Coptotermes formosanus. University of Florida. Common name: Formosan subterranean termite. Formosan termites are an invasive species that originated in East Asia. During the 1960s, it was found in Texas, Louisiana, and South Carolina. [4] Older and less vigorous colonies contained workers that had a larger body mass than workers in younger colonies.[5]. Common name: formosan subterranean termite scientific name: Coptotermes formosanus Good Bug or Bad Bug? Information from CABI (2019) Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite). What It Is: The Formosan subterranean termite is a member of the insect order Blattodea, which includes cockroaches and termites. These termites tunnel within the soil, connecting their large, underground network to a food source. By proper taxonomic convention, the older name, Coptotermes gestroi, must be recognized. Click Here for More Info. A colony may reach substantial numbers to cause severe damage and produce alates within three to five years.[10]. [16] C. formosanus is the most destructive, difficult to control, and economically important species of termite in the southern United States. The workers provide the food, soldiers defend the nest, and reproductives breed the colony. 4 (2), 19-27. Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Assessment of untreated Papua New Guinea timbers for resistance to subterranean termites. Subterranean termites by far cause the most termite damage and there is a greater danger of infestation by subterranean termites to homes in the United States than any other termite. Widespread. [17], Impacts of increased use of pesticides to control the termite population has led to higher costs for homeowners and destructive effects on the environment, including contamination of water supplies caused by runoff. Both species have a large fontanelle, when viewed from above, both also have a tear drop-shaped head; The soldiers of two species may be separated as: - Coptotermes gestroi soldiers have one pair of hairs near the rim of the fontanelle and the lateral profile of the top of the head just behind the fontanelle shows a weak bulge. Coptotermes formosanus is the most economically serious pest in Hawaii, costing residents $100 million a year. [11] By the 1950s, it was reported in South Africa. It is recorded from Marshall Islands. 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