Eastern subterranean termite
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| Eastern subterranean termite Fossil range: unknown |
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Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) is the most widely distributed subterranean termite, and it is the most common termite found in the eastern United States and Canada. It is also an invasive species in Europe[1].
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Eastern Subterranean[2] termites feed on cellulose materials including structural wood, wood fixtures, paper, books and cotton, and will occasionally attack the roots of shrubs and trees. A mature colony of Eastern Subterranean termites can range from a low of 20,000 workers to a high of five million, with an average of 300,000. The colony's queen can lay 5,000 to 10,000 eggs per year making colony growth slow. It may take four to 10 years before swarmers are produce by the colony.
Colonies are largely located in the ground below the frost line, but secondary colonies can exist above ground. These colonies must have access to a moisture source, such as a drainage spout or plumbing leak. Eastern Subterranean termites will often build shelter tubes for travel between their colonies and their food sources. Shelter tubes are a common sign of Eastern Subterraneans as well as translucent wings shed by the kings and queens during swarming.
[edit] References
- ^ Catalog of Termites of the New World http://www.unb.br/ib/zoo/docente/constant/catal/gen/reticu.htm
- ^ Eastern Subterranean Fact Sheet
