Termites

Classification

Species category: Termites Family: 5 family groups represented in Australia:

Mastotermitidae - 1 species Kalotermitidae - 46 species Termopsidae - 5 species Rhinotermitidar - 30 species Termitidae - 266 species

Description

Termites are social insects, working and living togetherin groups and each colony contains several types(castes). The castes differ in body shape andbehaviour and each performs different tasks. The castes are identified as: Workers Soldiers - distinguished by their heavily armoured and pigmented headsReproductives While some species are native to the tropics, there are many that are native to Australia. Different species opt for different habitats. Subterranean termites like soil and tend to build theirnests underground. They can also create mounds that go above ground level. Mature coloniesmay number 2 million individuals and the queens are capable of laying 2000 eggs per day. Termitecolonies may exist for as long as 50 years

Behavior

The Reproductive Caste has eyes, a functional reproductive system and wings. They usuallyswarm (leave the colony) in spring to early summer or late summer to early autumn. Afterswarming (sometimes called the nuptial or mating flight), they seek out a suitable place to form anew colony. The king alters little in shape but the queen’s abdomen becomes enormouslydistended with eggs.

Risks

A silent destroyer, they can cause serious structural damage to buildings and significant damage to crops. Their ability to conceal themselves provides the necessary time to do considerable damage before they are discovered.

The Worker Caste dominate the colony population, they are wingless,sterile and blind. Their primary role is to build the nest, tend the eggsand young, and gather the food. They also feed other castes incapableof feeding themselves.

The Soldier Caste is also wingless, sterile and blind. There are 2 types,Mandibulate with prominent jaws and the Nasute with a pronouncedsnout. Their primary function is defence and their mandibles are somodified that they cannot feed themselves.