Common Name: Formosan Termite
Scientific Name: Coptotermes Formosanus Shiraki
Class/Order/Family: Insecta/Isoptera/Rhinotermitidae
Metamorphosis: Simple
Introduction: Formosan termites have long been a pest in Hawaii, first collected in 1896, but not correctly identified until 1905. They were first discovered in the continental states in 1956, in Charleston, S.C. then in Houston, Texas, in 1965, and the next year in Galveston. They are known from several areas in southern Louisiana; Meridian (1984) and Biloxi-Gulfport (1985), Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama (1985); south Florida and into North Miami Beach, then found in Orlando (1983), Ft. Walton Beach (1984), and in Pensacola (1985); and were discovered in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1984. In 1992, infestations were verified in Holden Beach N.C., Florence, S.C., and San Diego, CA.
The Formosan termite is the so-called "Super" termite of the popular press. This is primarily because of the large size of the colony and, hence, the termites' ability to consume a large amount of wood in a relatively short period of time.
Recognition: Swarmer. About 1/2" (12-13 mm) long including wings. Body pale yellow to brownish yellow. Fontanelle (frontal gland pore) present, on a slight tubercle (very short tube) toward front of head. Wing with 2 dark, heavily sclerotized (hardened) veins in front portion, other veins unpigmented except for basal third. Wing translucent (slightly milky), densely covered with hairs (setae). Front wing scale distinctly larger than hind wind scale, may overlap basal portion of hind wing scale.
Soldier. Head rounded on sides, tapered or narrowed toward front, with fontanelle (frontal gland pore) on slight tubercle (very short tube) toward front of head. Mandibles lack teeth. Pronotum flat, almost as wide as head.