The Formosan termite colonizes in the ground but also above ground in structures. If you see this stage of termite inside or outside your home it should be cause for concern since it is an indication that your home is possibly infested. 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. Formosan termites are more localized in the southern part of the United States, while Eastern Subterranean termites are found throughout the country. Within the Blattodea order, this species is part of the infraorder Isoptera, which includes termites only – about 3,100 species worldwide. However, identification only requires the study of the alates and soldiers. The king and queen reproductives stay within the co… After termite swarmers mate and find a place to start a new colony, the termites … Developing termites do not have an inactive pupal or resting stage like bees, butterflies, or other insects that have a complete life cycle. Formosan subterranean termites can turn solid beams into shredded-wheat-likewood. They are typically no longer than a centimeter. Discarded Wings. The combination of an underground and aboveground nest can greatly increase the potential damage of these termites. Four species are subterranean termites. The Eastern Subterranean Termite soldier is orange, approximately 1/32 of an inch long with sharp mandible or pincers on his head. They are also referred to as introduced subterranean termites; they are known to be especially active throughout the Southern states, such as Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee. Formosan Subterranean Termite, Adults, worker (top), soldier (bottom) - Gerald J. Lenhard. Coptotermes formosanus or Formosan termites belong to the genus Coptotermes which contains more than 3100 termite speciesaltogether. Termites are social insects. Formosan termites are found in Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and Cal… Swarmers, or alates, do not reproduce in their original colonies. Columbia Formosan Subterrean Termites. In fact, subterranean termites are found in all the states except Alaska. Formosan subterranean termites are more aggressive and cause more damage than native subterranean termite species because of special biological attributes. Exit Other, less common, types of termites include the smaller drywood termite Exit and the invasive Formosan termite. Formosan termites are considered social insects. Therefore, soldiers or reproductive caste termites are needed for proper identification. This is because Formosan termites line their nests with feces to keep the moisture in. Comparison of Native and Formosan Subterranean Termites Biology Ecology and Methods of Control It is now generally accepted that the termite is native to China and it is Formosa. Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure. But Formosan termites are unique in that they can create a satellite colony on the second floor of a structure. Formosan termites are one of several termite species that threaten homes and other structures in Hawaii and the southern half of the continental United States. This means they live together in colonies in which ther… Thrasher Termite & Pest Control of So Cal, Inc. in San Diego, California, recently discovered a new colony of Formosan subterranean termites in La Mesa, half a mile from the original 1992 outbreak of this destructive, invasive species.Formosan subterranean termites rapidly develop huge colonies and can cause significant structural damage within 6 months. (Until recently, termites were placed in a separate order, Isoptera.) The most common form of termite in most of the United States is the native subterranean termite. Like other subterranean termites, Formosan termites feed on wood and other materials that contain cellulose. Formosan termites are an invasive species that originated in East Asia. Originally from mainland China, Formosan termites have been established in the continental U.S. for only about 50 years. They have 3 forms – workers, soldiers and alates (swarmers). However, they can also create above ground nests in structures they are infesting. The Formosan subterranean termite is the most destructive insect in Louisiana. Because of their aggressive nature, Formosan termites are difficult to control once they infest a structure. The swarmers (or alates) are winged. The royal couple is guarded by the soldiers who protect them. How Can I Prevent Termite Infestation? Introduction. Subterranean termites have a soft white body with no eyes. Soldiers and winged reproductives (alates) are the castes used for identification purposes. But Formosan is the most economically malicious and geographically spread species which can be rather dangerous to any cellulose structure. They reproduce A single colony may contain several million individuals that forage up to 300 feet in soil. Termites are related to cockroaches and are now classified in the same order as cockroaches, Blattodea. Although ants oft… It is now generally accepted that the termite is native to china and it is considered a serious structural pest whenever it occurs. Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite); the white, soft-bodied, workers are the most commonly seen caste in a C. formosanus colony and, are responsible for food acquisition and maintenance of nest galleries. Formosan Subterranean Termites These "supertermites" were introduced to the coastal regions of the United States after WWII. In the United States it causes tremendous property damage resulting in enormous treatment and repair costs. Formosan subterranean termites, like other subterranean termites, create nests in soil. They have tan bodies and are approximately 1.25 inches and have two pairs of wings equal in length. Formosan termites, most probably, originating from South Chinaand from the… (K8212-18) Although it took time for it to establish itself and spread, the Formosan termite has done so with startling success. Formosan termites are an … Formosan termites are 1/2-inch long; the winged reproductives are pale yellow to brownish yellow, and the hairy wings have two dark veins at the leading edge Originally from mainland China, Formosans have been established in the continental U.S. for only about 50 years. What It Is: The Formosan subterranean termite is a member of the insect order Blattodea, which includes cockroaches and termites. The formosan subterranean termite forms large colonies, which can quickly cause major structural damage to timber and timber components in housing and furniture. They attack and consume a variety of woods at a faster rate than do native subterranean termites. Three forms, called castes, are found in the colony – reproductives (winged or wingless), soldiers and workers (pseudergates). The termites also have a difference in their physical appearance. Formosan Termites are like most subterranean termites in regards to their appearance. Formosan Subterranean Termites. Yes, Formosan subterranean termites are found in the parishes affected by the hurricanes and will get in mulch. A mature Formosan colony can consume as much as 13 ounces of wood a day and can severely damage a structure in as little as three months. They go in and out of a structure from a ground nest nearby. The most common termite pest species in Texas are subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes. Formosan termites are considered more vigorous and aggressive than other subterranean species. Make the Structure Less Attractive to Termites Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan subterranean termites are one of several termite species that threaten homes and other structures in Hawaii and the southern half of the continental United States. Subterranean termites are the ones that do the most damage and are the focus of most termite treatments. Formosan subterranean termites belong to the same family as native subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae). An invasive species native to China, the Formosan Subterranean Termite is known as one of the most destructive insects there is. Because of its population size and foraging range, the presence of a colony poses serious t Scientific Name: Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, 1909 (ITIS) Common Name: Formosan subterranean termite (FST), ground termites. The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is one of the most destructive termite species in the world today. The termite has the potential to devastate Australia’s forests and native bush as well as have a major impact on timber-based industries. Three to five years after the colony is started, winged reproductives (swarmers) are produced. It is sometimes referred … In the U.S., Formosan termites prefer the warm southern climates of states like Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, where they organize into huge subterranean colonies and build intricate mud-tube nests inside the … Top of page. They construct their primary nests in the soil with a fecal material called “car- Formosan termites. Because Formosan termite colonies can contain several million individuals, they can cause damage at an accelerated rate, with a mature colony causing significant damage to a structure in a relatively short time. The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Shiraki), was first described as a species in 1909 from specimens collected on the Asian island of Formosa. This is partly because their colonies are at least four times as large as those of native subterranean termites. The Formosan Termite alate is .5 -.6 inches long with a yellowish-brown body. Like cockroaches, termites have a gradual life cycle, meaning they have three stages of development: egg, nymph, and adult. Another termite species, the Formosan termite, Coptotermes formosanus , is a foreign pest that has become established in California, Hawaii, and parts of the southern U.S. including some areas of Texas. Formosan Subterranean termite colonies begin small, but may grow to over 5 million termites. Workers:Workers of Formosan termites are white to off-white in color and are difficult to distinguish from other termite species. Native To: East Asia (Lax and Osbrink 2003) Date of U.S. Introduction: They can create a serious problem in your household and have to be identifiedas soon as possible to free your house from these mischievous pests. Three of the subterranean termite species are native to the Palmetto State. Once mature they leave the original colony and are responsible for producing new colonies. Termites live in societies with a, They have a king and a queen and subordinates : soldiers, workers, alates. Entomoligist Ed Freytag (left) and microbiologist Alan Lax inspect damage to the floor of a building in the French Quarter. (See Texas Cooperative Exten- sion Leaflet E-366, “Drywood Termites”). Unfortunately, they are more vigorous, aggressive and successful than native termites. The Formosan termites like the warm temperatures and live in densely populated areas of the Southern states. 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