Eastern Subterranean
Introduction
This is the most common and widely distributed termite in North
America. It occurs south of the line where the average annual minimum
temperature is below 22 degrees. This includes southern Ontario, Canada, and
southward through the eastern United States and into Texas.
Recognition
Swarmer. About 3/8 inch long including wings. Body dark brown to almost
black. Fontanelle (frontal gland pore) present, may be inconspicuous.
Front wing with two dark, heavily sclerotized (hardened) veins in front
portion. Other veins unpigmented except for basal third. Wing
translucent (slightly milky) too slightly smoky, with a few barely
visible hairs. Front wing scale distinctly larger than hind wing scale;
may overlap basal portion of hind wing scale. Leg with tibia darker than
tarsus.
Soldier. Head rectangular in shape, not narrowed toward front. Length
about 1.5 times width. Fontanelle (frontal gland pore) dorsal and
indistinct. Mandibles lack teeth and with tips, especially left,
incurved at about 70-90 degrees. Pronotum, flat, almost as wide as head,
with width usually greater than .90 millimeters.
Habits
Eastern subterranean termite colonies usually are located in the
ground. Location usually is below the frost line, but above the water
table and rock formations. Mud tubes are built to cross areas of adverse
conditions between the colony and food sources. They can enter
structures through cracks less than 1/16 inch wide. However, if a constant
source of moisture is available (like leaky pipes), colonies (called
secondary colonies) can exist above ground and without ground contact.
Also, true aerial colonies (no ground contact ever occured) are known to
exist.
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