Heterotermes
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| Heterotermes | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| A colony of H. aureus found after lifting a rock | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Blattodea |
| Infraorder: | Isoptera |
| Family: | Heterotermitidae |
| Genus: | Heterotermes Froggatt, 1896 |
Heterotermes is a genus of subterranean termites belonging to the family Heterotermitidae.[1] The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution.[1] One of their closest relatives is the Reticulitermes genus.
Heterotermes are considered pests because they form large colonies and can cause severe property damage.[2] They feed themselves by gathering cellulose from natural sources including dead tree logs, stumps, and branches as well as from man-made wooden structures such as buildings, books and paper.
Heterotermes are considered to be highly adaptable, having a relatively fast growth rate in mature colonies with good conditions. They are found in dry and humid wooded areas, such as the West Indies and the Bahamas,[2] except for Heterotermes aureus, which has been found in Northwestern Mexico and the Southwestern United States.[2] Heterotermes show relatively fast neotenic formation within the colony and are only observed to have the nymphoid neotenic caste as a secondary reproductive.[citation needed]
They are similar in appearance to Reticulitermes, but Heterotermes soldiers are smaller and exhibit a mandible with a curved tip and a base area that is straighter than that of Reticulitermes.[2]
