Subterranean Termite Species

Termite identification based on:

• Alate & soldier characteristics;
• Feeding & nesting habits; and
• Distribution

Soldiers and Identification

• Useful for quick identification
• Variation in size and morphology within a species
• Soldiers are the final moult in the worker or wingless line for all termites
• The worker line can have many moults e.g. up to 11 in Coptotermes spp.
• Therefore, soldiers may differ in size within and between colonies of a species.
• Size of soldiers and workers changes with colony age
• Young colonies have smaller termites
• Complicates identification
• Once id has been confirmed, this may help to estimate the age and the likely size of the colony.

Colony age (~size)

• If infestation has small soldiers and workers, then colony probably young. Young colonies generally smaller = fewer mouths to feed, fewer feeding sites. Slower consumption rates?
• If large termites, then colony is likely to be old. If old, then colony usually larger...
• Also if old colony, then why infest property now? Change in other food sources?
• Trees or other timber removed, neighbouring properties treated?
• History of property and environs important