DRYWOOD TERMITES (Incisitermes)
Biology
- Swarmers are usually about 3/8 – 5/8 inches in length (including wings).
- Body is usually a light yellowish brown color.
- Does not have a frontal gland pore.
- The wings have 3 or more dark, hard veins in the front ½ portion but the wing does not contain hairs.
- Fecal pellets are hard, elongated, oval-shaped, less than 1 mm long, and have 6 concave sides.
Distribution/Habits
- They live in wood with a low moisture content -- 12% or less.
- Contact with the ground is not required; they do not build mud tunnels.
- They eat across the grain making chambers.
- They have relatively small colonies, usually less than 8,000 individuals so damage occurs more slowly than with subterranean termites.
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