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Western Drywood Termite

Western Drywood Termite

Incisitermes minor

A species of Incisitermes

The western Drywood Termite (Incisitermes minor) lives in a caste system. They come in three types: soldiers, workers, and alates. Alates are the only members of termite society that leave the nest, as they are the group that seeks mates. These mates become the kings and queens of new colonies.

General Info About Western Drywood Termite
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Attributes of Western Drywood Termite
Adult Food Sources
Wood, cellulose, decomposed plant material, wooden structures, dead trees
Larva Food Source
Wood, cellulose, decomposed plant material
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Western Drywood Termite is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The Western Drywood Termite can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Western Drywood Termite feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Western Drywood Termite
It is native to western North America. It has been introduced to Hawaii. It has been noted in China and it is not uncommon in Japan.
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Distribution Area of Western Drywood Termite
United States, China, Japan, Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Arkansas, Lowa, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Ohio, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana
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Appearance of Western Drywood Termite
Alates have an orange-brown head and pronotum, an 1.1 - 1.3 cm long, dark brown abdomen. There are also soldiers, which are large, reddish-brown, and have two teeth visible on the left mandible. They are 8 - 12 mm long, and can weigh from 20–25 mg. They are dark brown and have an orange head. The soldiers are larger than the alates, and they reach an average length of 1.02 cm, and have a broad red head with black mandibles.
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How to Identify Western Drywood Termite?

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Life Cycle of Western Drywood Termite
Egg The oval-shaped eggs of western Drywood Termite are commonly laid in clusters. Initially, they are white and undergo slight color change as embryos develop.
Nymph In the nymph stage, western Drywood Termite resembles a smaller, wingless version of the adult. Nymphs molt several times, growing larger and changing slightly in shape and color with each molt.
Adult Adult western Drywood Termite typically have well-developed wings and display more hardened exoskeletons. Their size increases, and final coloration develops. The primary function shifts to reproduction and distribution of the species.
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Adult Size of Western Drywood Termite
8 - 12 mm
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Interesting Facts About Western Drywood Termite
Western Drywood Termite can digest cellulose thanks to symbiotic protozoans in their intestines, a rare trait that enables them to feed on wood without fungal assistance.
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Scientific Classification of Western Drywood Termite
Tips for Finding Western Drywood Termite
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Youth Habitat of Western Drywood Termite
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, On and Within Other Organisms (wood-dwelling termites)
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Adult Habitat of Western Drywood Termite
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, On and Within Other Organisms (wood-dwelling termites)
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How Can You Attract Western Drywood Termite
The choice of bait for trapping western Drywood Termite typically includes wood or cellulose-based materials, as these are the primary components of their diet.
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Habitat Preferences of Western Drywood Termite Through Different Life Stages
The nymphs of western Drywood Termite often thrive inside the wood of dead trees or stumps and are typically found in warm, moist environments where they can easily feed on wood substances. The nymph stage continues to dwell within the wooden crevices, growing under the protection of the wood that serves as both a home and a food source. Adult western Drywood Termite may be spotted around the same wooden areas, especially during swarming season when they leave their nests to mate. When searching for these stages, one would inspect the insides of infested wood, which might involve carefully removing bark or examining decayed stumps, paying special attention to the sounds of hollow wood that might indicate their presence.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Western Drywood Termite
The best time to locate western Drywood Termite is typically during their swarming period, which occurs when environmental conditions are optimal for mating flights. This usually happens during warm and humid conditions, often in the evening.
Are Western Drywood Termite harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Western Drywood Termite
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Structural Pests

Western Drywood Termite is notorious for its severe destruction of wooden structures, which may include homes and furniture. As nymphs and adults, they bore through wood, weakening structural integrity and causing costly damages. The inevitable repairs and replacements add a financial burden, making this pest a serious concern for property owners.

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Hurt Plant

Western Drywood Termite infestations are severe and non-selective, affecting various plants. Both larvae/nymphs and adults bore into stems and roots to feed, weakening structural integrity, leading to decreased plant vigor, and potentially causing death.

More Effects of Western Drywood Termite

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