Coptotermes formosanus

The Formosan termite (''Coptotermes formosanus'') is a species of termite local to southern China and introduced to Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa, where it gets its name), Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, and the continental United States.

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. Populations of these termites have become large enough to appear on New Orleans' weather radars.

A mature Formosan colony can consume as much as 13 ounces of wood a day (about 400 g) and can severely damage a structure in as little as three months.

Formosan termites infest a wide variety of structures (including boats and high-rise condominiums) and can damage trees. In the United States, along with another species, ''Coptotermes gestroi'', introduced from Southeast Asia, they are responsible for tremendous damage to property resulting in large treatment and repair costs.

Biology

''Coptotermes formosanus'' is a social insect.

Nutrition

Crops include sugarcane.

Reproduction and lifecycle stages

As an introduced species

History

Formosan termites are rarely found north of 35°N. They have been reported from 11 states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Their distribution will probably continue to be restricted to southern areas of the United States because the eggs will not hatch below about 20 °C (68 °F). Some history can also be found at University of Florida Entomology.

Spread of Formosan infestation

Formosan termites, since their probable landing at the Port of New Orleans around the middle of the 20th century, have become a most serious concern to pest control regulators and researchers. In the 1970's, the United States Department of Agriculture began to track the spread of Formosan infestations. Maps of counties infested by Formosans were published by the USDA in 1975, 1990, and 2001. Universities across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida have published updates since then.

The annual expansion rate of Formosan infestation between 1990 and present varies from 5.3% in Mississippi to 8.1% in Texas. 

Economic impact

Historic structures in Hawaii have been threatened, such as Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

It has its greatest impact in North America. ''C. formosanus'' is the most destructive, difficult to control, and economically important species of termite in the southern United States.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services discusses the average cost of Formosan termite damage as ''"in the $10,000 range per home.......can be much higher...in some severe cases the home may have to be demolished and rebuilt." Florida Consumer Protection.''(Yates et al. 2000).

Formosan termite barriers

Physical barriers to Formosan termites have been developed. Most of these barriers must be installed during construction, but a few can be installed after construction. The most important application of these post construction barriers is the stone particle barrier, used to protect exposed concrete perimeters.

References

External links

Formosan subterranean termite
on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures Web site
Formosan Termite Fact Sheet
from the National Pest Management Association

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