The Difference Between Eastern & Formosan Subterranean

TermitesJeremy H. Miller

Objective

Understand the difference in the swarming behaviors

Visually identify the difference between the two species

Soldiers

Reproductives

Understand the difference in the colony structure

The difference in the threat

Eastern Subterranean Alate Reticulitermes flavipes

Swarmer

Dark brown to black in color

Generally swarms from February to May

Usually around noon to early afternoon

Wings

Translucent

Colony

A mature colony has approximately 60 thousand workers

Formosan Termite Alate Coptotermes formosanus

Swarmer

Light brown to gold in color

Generally swarms from May to June

Usually swarms in the evening

Wings

Covered in yellowish setae

Colony

Has 1-2 million workers

More aggressive

Formosan Subterranean Termite Carton Nest

Made of chewed wood, soil, and excrement

Retains Moisture

Enables colony to survive without soil contact for extended periods.

Comparison of Soldiers

Formosan Termite Soldier Oblong or teardrop shaped head

Fontanelle on the anterior surface of the head

Emits a noxious white substance when agitated

Comprises approximately 10% of the colony population

Eastern Subterranean Soldier Rectangular shaped head

Comprises 1-2% of the colony population

Not as aggressive as the Formosan Soldier

Q&A

Which species of termite has a swarmer with yellowish hairs on its wings?

Formosan

Q&A

Which species it likely to be if a customer calls in March and says that when they came home at lunch they found a bunch of dead swarmers?

Eastern

Q&A

What percentage of the population of an Eastern subterranean colony consists of soldiers.

1-2%

Q&A

Which species has a fontanelle which produces a noxious substance?

Formosan

Q&A

Which species has a population of soldiers that is roughly 10% of the colony population.

Formosan

Q&A

If a customer calls with a swarm in June, which species is it most likely to be?

Formosan

Q&A

Which species poses the greater threat

Formosan

Q&A

Which species is known for making carton nests which enable them to survive for extended periods cut off from the soil?

Formosans

Thank You