The Coptotermes formosanus belongs to the Rhinotermitidae family, which contains both native and invasive species. Reproductives (kings, queens, and swarmers), soldiers, and workers are Formosan subterranean termites’ three primary castes living in social colonies.
Swarmers have spherical, dark brown heads with complex eyes and antennae and are bigger than workers.
The Formosan monarchs and queens are larger than the laborers and troops, but they have evolved morphologically to protect the colony.
The thorax contains two sets of similarly sized wings that extend beyond the abdomen, and the body color is brown. Soldiers of all other Louisiana subterranean termites have rectangular heads, making it easy to distinguish Formosans from others.
Territory:
Formosan subterranean termites are found throughout North America and South America.
Damages caused by Formosan Subterranean Termite:
A few red flags indicate a Formosan termite infestation. The appearance of swarmers, or flying reproductives, is the first evidence that a region is infested with Formosans. Damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped is another indicator of a Formosan termite infestation. The wood typically looks to have been eaten away along with the grain pattern. A mature colony can include ten million foraging workers, warriors, a primary queen, and multiple secondary reproductives. A mature colony’s foraging area might be thousands of square feet in size.
Life history and Habits:
Formosan termites start new colonies by sending out winged reproductives (alates) from existing colonies, just like native subterranean termites do. The Formosan swarms occur in Florida and Louisiana from May to June and South Carolina from May to July. Swarms of Formosan termites occur between sunset and midnight, and the alates are drawn to lights. The alates lose their wings after a brief flight (typically less than 20-50 yards), couple up, and seek tiny fissures in damp wood to start a new colony. A mature colony takes 3-5 years to form from a queen who lays about 2,000 eggs daily.
