Coptotermes gestroi is a common subterranean species of highly destructive termites. In nature termites are useful decompostitor of organic matter namely cellulose matter such as dead trees, branches, leaves and dry grass. Even the most destructive termites species has its usefulness in the forest or jungle eco-system. But place them in a man made environment some of these eco friendly species becomes a highly destructive pest be it to residences, infrastructure or agriculture. Mind you not all termites are destructive pest, many subterranean species do not damage man made structures or agricultural crops even though they nest right under or among them.
Termites colonies grows very slowly, even the highly destructive species take several years to grow before their presence become noticeable. Some nest of small species such as Microcerotermes may live all their lives on a stump or on a tree and not even seriously damaging the tree after several decades.
What is left of a once beautiful weeping willow tree.
The core of this tree has been hollowed out.
Leaving just the external shell.
Coptotermes gestroi soldiers rushing out to defend the nest.
Coptotermes gestroi soldiers rushing out to defend the nest.
Two soldiers.
Two soldiers. But these are not the destroyer.
The workers (with a soldier) the destructive culprit.
Coptotermes gestroi workers and soldier
Coptotermes curvignathus.
Coptotermes curvignathus.
Coptotermes sp(08).
See also:
Coptotermes sp
Coptotermes sp
Coptotermes formosanus
Taxonomy
cellular organisms
Superkingdom: Eukaryota
Opisthokonta
Kingdom: Metazoa
Eumetazoa
Bilateria
Protostomia
Ecdysozoa
Panarthropoda
Phylum: Arthropoda
Mandibulata
Pancrustacea
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Unrank: Dicondylia
Subclass: Pterygota
Infraclass: Neoptera
Cohort: Polyneoptera
Unrank: Dictyoptera
Order: Blattodea
Superfamily: Blattoidea
Isoptera: 7499
Unrank: Termitoidae 1912919
Family: Rhinotermitidae 36985
Subfamily: Coptotermitinae 72853
Genus: Coptotermes 36986
Species: gestroi 232242
Updated: 2022 02 13
Posted: 2009 09 24
© 2009 - 2022 Quah. All rights reserved.
Hi..great pictures of termites.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering did you breed the Coptotermes gestroi?
Cos looking at the picture of three and a month (?!) nest, looked like it was taken from inside a breeding box.
Shah
No and yes. The nest is not of Coptotermes gestroi.
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