Southeastern Drywood

The common name refers to its southeastern United States distribution and to the fact that it lives in wood, which has a very low moisture content. It also is found in the Bahamas and Bermuda. However, it can be rapidly transported outside this area in infested furniture, picture frames, etc.

Recognition.

Swarmers. About 7/16 inch long including wings; head width 1/32-1/16 inch. Head and body pale yellowish brown to pale reddish brown, wing with sclerotized veins pale yellowish brown in outer half of wing. Head with two ocelli almost round Antenna with 11-14 Segments. Front wing with three dark, heavily sclerotized veins in front half/portion; median vein unsclerotized, running midway between sclerotized veins above and unsclerotized cubitus below, and ending near wing tip even if branched along its length; not hairy. Tibia with spines lacking along length, apex with three spines.

Soldier. Forehead slopes down gradually from top of head, head flattened in side view, and head orange to reddish brown with eye spot whitish. Mandibles with an unequal number of teeth on each member or pair. Tip of labrum bluntly pointed. Antenna with 11-14 segments, third segment as long as four to five combined and less than twice width of fourth. Pronotum as wide as or wider than head, about 1/16 inch wide.

Habits.

Swarming southeastern drywood termites fly into structures and infest wood directly. They typically first infest exposed wood such as window/door frames, trim, eaves, attics, etc. When swarming, they often re-infest the same structure.