Coptotermes formosanus
Shiraki, 1909 (Formosan subterranean termite ) |
||
|
Class: Insecta Order: Isoptera Family: Rhinotermitidae Synonym(s): Formosan termites |
|
Adult Description: Formosan Subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) are considered social insects. Three forms, called castes, are found in colonies - reproductives (winged or wingless), soldiers, and workers (pseudergates). Soldiers and winged reproductives (alates) are the castes used for identification. Larva Description: Termite larvae typically hatch within a few weeks. They are approximately the same size as the eggs from which they hatched and are immediately tended to by worker termites. Termite larvae do not directly cause damage to infested homes. However, they comprise a large part of a termite colony and require constant feeding; worker termites ingest wood in order to feed the colony's larvae. Host Plant: None History: The Formosan subterranean termite was first described as a species in 1909 from specimens collected on the Asian island of Formosa (currently known as Taiwan). It is now generally accepted that the termite is native to China and it is considered a serious structural pest whenever it occurs. The Formosan subterranean termite has been found in Japan, Sri Lanka, Phillipines, Guam, Hawaii, South Africa and the continental United States. Although officially reported in Hawaii in 1913, newspaper reports indicate that the termite was on the island as early as 1869. The first report of the Formosan termite in the continental U.S. was from a Houston shipyard in 1965. It was reported in Louisiana in 1966 and Charleston, South Carolina in 1967, and has since spread across the southern U.S. Biology: As with native subterranean termites, Formosan termites initiate new colonies by sending out winged reproductives (alates) from established colonies. Swarms occur from May to June in Florida and Louisiana, and from May to July in South Carolina. Formosan termite swarms occur from dusk to midnight and the alates are attracted to light. After a short flight (usually not more than 20-50 yards) the alates lose their wings, pair off, and seek a small crevices in moist wood to begin the new colony. It takes 3-5 years for a mature colony to develop from a queen, which lays approximately 2,000 eggs/day. Mature colonies can have a population of 10 million foraging workers, soldiers, a primary queen, and several secondary reproductives. The foraging territory of a mature colony can occupy several thousand square feet. Ecological Threat: The Formosan termite is known to attack over 50 species of living plants as well as structural lumber. This termite is often described as aggressive in both its feeding habits and foraging tendencies. They cannot penetrate concrete, but have been known to attack non-cellulose materials like plastic, asphalt, and thin sheets of soft metal. Although laboratory studies indicate that the individual Formosan termites eat slightly more wood than the native subterranean termites, larger colonies can cause severe structural damage to unprotected homes in 2 years. US Habitat:
Nests: Distribution
Resembles: Formosan subterranean termite workers look similar to those of native subterranean species (Reticulitermes sp). It is almost impossible to identify Formosan termite workers, however the soldiers and alates look very different and are easy to identify. Management: Homeowners and pest management professionals should watch for isolated infestations. Shoring timbers and recycled railroad ties are often taken from docks and railways and are then used for the construction of terraces or backyard planting beds. This wood is thought to be the primary mechanism for spreading the Formosan termite in Texas. Creosote treatment frequently does not reach the core of these timbers and by itself is not guarantee against Formosan termites. These timbers must be properly fumigated to prevent termites from traveling within them and infesting the soil at a landscaping site. Text References
Data Source Last Updated: 2011-09-26 by Amber Bartelt - Sam Houston State University |
||
|