Coptotermes formosanus

Definition

A species of subterranean termite in the family Rhinotermitidae, native to southern China and Taiwan, now established as an invasive pest in Japan, South Africa, Hawaii, and the continental United States. Colonies are notably large—often containing millions of individuals—and can cause severe structural damage to timber, urban infrastructure, and living trees. The species exhibits aggressive foraging behavior and can maintain above-ground carton nests in moist environments, distinguishing it from many other subterranean termites that remain strictly soil-bound.

Etymology

Latinized form of 'Formosa,' the former name for Taiwan, where the species was first described by Shiraki in 1909; Coptotermes from Greek kopto (to cut, strike) + termes (wood-worm), referring to the soldier's defensive gland and wood-feeding habit.

Example

In New Orleans, Coptotermes formosanus has infested live oak trees and historic wooden structures, forming aerial carton nests in wall voids and attics that can persist without soil contact—behavior that complicates conventional baiting and soil-barrier control strategies.

Synonyms

• Formosan subterranean termite
• Formosan termite

Related Terms

• Rhinotermitidae
• subterranean termite
• Invasive species
• colony
• Caste
• Alate
• carton nest
• termite control
• Isoptera

Usage Notes

Often abbreviated FST in pest management literature. Distinguished from Reticulitermes species (native U.S. subterranean termites) by larger colony size, more aggressive feeding, and ability to form above-ground nests. Soldiers have an oval-shaped fontanelle (gland opening) on the forehead that exudes a milky defensive secretion when disturbed—a quick diagnostic feature. The species is sometimes misidentified as a drywood termite when carton nests are found in structures without obvious soil connections.