Coptotermes Termites
Coptotermes species are the most economically damaging termite species globally.
Over the years, nests of both Coptotermes acinaciformis and Coptotermes frenchi have been found in New Zealand. However, it is believed that these nests arrived in imported timber.
Although alate flights (mating flights) have been observed from these nests in New Zealand, there is no evidence that these have resulted in the formation of new nests, and therefore these termites are not considered established in New Zealand.
Coptotermes are considered a sub-tropical species and so only really have the potential to establish on the North Island and even then, it would be at the limit of their range.
However, with colonies capable of growing to contain over 1 million individuals, they can cause significant damage and Biosecurity New Zealand is very vigilant in their monitoring efforts.
Common species:
- Coptotermes acinaciformis
- Coptotermes frenchi
- Coptotermes acinaciformis raffrayi
- Coptotermes lacteus
Globally, the two species of concern are Coptotermes gestroi and Coptotermes formosanus. These two species have now spread across much of Asia and a number of tropical islands across the world. C. gestroi has now spread to Brazil and C. formosanus has spread to the USA.
Distribution:
- C. acinaciformis – Australia (mainland) wide
- C. frenchi – eastern & south eastern Australia
- C. acinaciformis raffrayi – Western Australia
- C. lacteus – coastal and associated hinterland areas from southern Queensland to Melbourne
Typical nest location
- C. acinaciformis – Generally nests in root crown or lower trunk of large trees. A mound building form of C. acinaciformis occurs more tropical areas, such as north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
- C. frenchi – Generally nests in root crown or lower trunk of large trees.
- C. acinaciformis raffrayi (Western Australia) – Builds small dome-shaped mounds
- C. lacteus – Builds medium to large above ground mound
Colony structure / size:
- Central nester – meaning they tend to have one central nest where the queen resides. They often have smaller staging posts (sub-nests or bivouacs) located away from the central nest
- Single queen but the colony will have multiple supplemental reproductives ready in case the queen needs to be replaced
- Large colonies that can number over 1 million termites
Distinguishing features / behaviour:
- Milky exudate released from front part of soldier’s head (small indentation called a fontanelle) when threatened
- Tear drop-shaped head (soldier caste)
- Soldiers have dark, slender mandibles without visible teeth (smooth)
- Known to make loud clicking noises inside infested timber when disturbed
Feeding preferences:
No particular timber preference. Happy to consume both hardwoods and softwoods
Appearance of damage:
- Tends to have galleries that are covered with faecal material (spotted appearance)
- Often consumes the softer section of the growth rings in timber first thus leaving long strings of harder timber behind
- Mudding tends to be light brown to chocolate in colour
Economic significance:
Most economically important genus in many parts of the world due to its destructive nature and widespread distribution.
Treatment notes:
All registered treatment options can achieve success (situation dependant)
- Stage 1 treatment (curative) – dusting, foaming and baiting work well but the large colony size means that multiple treatments may be required to achieve control
- Drilling trees to check for activity/nest is highly recommended where possible. If a nest is found, treating with a liquid termiticide is useful in lessening the overall termite pressure on a property
- Stage 2 treatment (preventative) – soil applied liquids and a baiting monitoring program are both suitable options
C. frenchi tend to be more timid than C. acinaciformis. This may be important with regard to limiting disturbance during a baiting/monitoring program or a stage 1 treatment.
Other comments:
Identification between Coptotermes species where their distributions overlap can be difficult. The soldier length is one feature that can be useful. C. acinaciformis & C. acinaciformis raffrayi range in length from 5 to 6.5 mm and C. frenchi & C. lacteus 4 to 5.2 mm. However the lengths do overlap, and measurement needs to be conducted on multiple soldiers to confirm.
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