Termite species

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Coptotermes sp.

• Subterranean occurring Australia wide

• Identification of soldier caste can be assisted by size, nesting habits and region of species occurence

• All species of this genus have mandibles present and produce a milky latex material called "exudate" from a pore on the head called a "fontanelle"

• Workings can be hard mud packing, often lighter colour than surrounding soil

• Some species will form sub nests within buildings but primary Queen and colony are not mobile

• Colonies of this genus are large

• The genus contains the most widespread and thereby destructive species

Schedorhinotermes sp.

• Occurring Australia wide

• This genus has minor and major soldiers (major appears once nest is well established)
• The two soldier castes with characteristic differences

Nasutitermes sp.

• Occurring Australia wide

• Mound / arboreal type nests

• Each species has its own region of occurrence

• All species in this genus have "nasute" soldiers (head drawn to a point - with fused mandibles)

• Most destructive species of sound timber in service is Nasutitermes exitiosus

• Majority of this genus preferring hardwoods

• Sub-colonies in buildings often formed from supplementary Queens

• Identification from soldier caste with assistance from worker, nest habit and region of occurrence

Microcerotermes sp.

• Occurring Australia wide

• Each species with its own region of occurrence

• Mound / arboreal type nests

• All species in this genus have soldiers with serrations present on the inner margins of the mandibles

• Soldier castes are not numerous in workings with workers having an elongated abdomen

• Identification can be from soldier caste and worker

• Colonies are readily exposed, often causing damage to deteriorated timber in contact with the ground

• Mounds and arboreal nests appear the same colour as surrounding soil