COPTOTERMES…
COPTOTERMES FRENCHI
- Subterranean occurring Australia wide
- Identification of soldier caste can be assisted by size, nesting habits and region of species occurrence
- All species of this genus have mandibles present and produce a milky latex material called “exudate” from a pore on the head called a “fontanelle”
- Workings can be hard mud packing, often a lighter colour than surrounding soil
- Some species will form sub nests within buildings but primary Queen and colony are not mobile
- Colonies of this genus are large
- The genus contains the most widespread and thereby destructive species
COPTOTERMES ACINACIFORMIS
- Occurring Australia wide
- In tropical regions (Cairns) will form mounds
- Can be identified from soldier caste and workings
- Length 5.8 0.8mm
- Colonies in trees have mud pack above nest
- Will form sub-colonies in buildings and will mud pack in and around timber damage
- Workings can appear fluted in areas of active feeding
COPTOTERMES FRENCHI
- Mostly occurring in eastern States and South Australia
- Mature soldiers and workers smaller than Coptotermes acinaciformis
- Length 4.60 0.6mm
- Colonies in trees have no mud pack above nest
- Will evacuate high timber workings during hot/dry periods
- Sub nests in buildings also form mud pack
- A major pest species around Canberra
SILK’S PEST CONTROL – Your Brisbane Termite Experts