Knowra Formosan subterranean termite Formosan subterranean termite The Formosan subterranean termite is an East Asian termite that builds large underground colonies and attacks wood in buildings, trees, and other structures.
Termite colony : A social group of termites organized around reproductive, worker, and soldier castes. Formosan colonies can contain millions of termites and forage through extensive underground galleries.
Termite damage : The deterioration of wood and other materials caused by termites feeding or nesting in them. Formosan colonies can hollow structural wood while leaving its outer surface intact.
Coptotermes formosanus : The scientific name of the Formosan subterranean termite, a species in the genus Coptotermes. This taxonomic name identifies the species whose invasions and damage are discussed here.
New Orleans : A major port city in southeastern Louisiana, United States. The city is a prominent North American center of Formosan termite infestation and damage.
Termite caste system : The division of labor among reproductive, worker, and soldier termites in a colony. Workers feed the colony and damage wood, while soldiers defend its foraging groups.
Termite mud tube : A sheltered tunnel of soil and other materials built by subterranean termites across exposed surfaces. Mud tubes on foundations can reveal routes used by Formosan termites to enter buildings.
East Asia : A region encompassing China, Japan, the Koreas, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The termite is native to East Asia, including southern China and Taiwan.
Hawaii : A Pacific archipelago and U.S. state where non-native species have established widely. Formosan termites are established on the islands and damage buildings and trees.
Termite foraging tunnel : A covered passage termites construct to travel between their nest and food sources. Covered tunnels let Formosan termites reach buildings while staying protected from dry air.
Termite inspection : An examination of a building or site for termites, their damage, and conditions that support infestation. Inspections look for hidden galleries, mud tubes, swarmers, and moisture near structures.
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