Fauna
Insect

Formosan Subterranean Termite

Coptotermes formosanus

Also known as Formosan Termite, Super Termite

Formosan subterranean termites build massive underground colonies containing millions of individuals that construct carton nests inside structures and living trees. Alate swarmers emerge in warm, humid dusk conditions by the thousands to disperse and establish new nests. Highly aggressive soldier termites defend these vast galleries by squeezing sticky white latex from glands on their heads.

SubterraneanInvasiveSocial Insect
Formosan Subterranean Termite reference1 / 6
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyWood Cellulose, Plant Fibers, Decaying Timber
Predators
  • Ants
  • Toads
  • Birds
ThreatsPest management, extreme winter temperatures, parasitic fungi
HabitatsSubterranean soil, wooden structures, utility poles, and living trees
Life span3–5 years for workers and soldiers; up to 15 years for queens
Classification
  1. OrderBlattodea
  2. FamilyRhinotermitidae
  3. GenusCoptotermes
  4. SpeciesCoptotermes formosanus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Evening Observations: Watch for nocturnal swarming flights around outdoor lights on warm humid late-spring evenings.
  • Distinction: Identify soldier termites by their teardrop-shaped heads and aggressive defense behavior when galleries are exposed.
  • Precaution: Avoid moving infested wood or mulch to prevent spreading colonies to new areas.
Related species
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