Drywood and Dampwood Termites

Kalotermitidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Superfamily: Blattoidea
Family: Kalotermitidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Kalotermitidae: /ˌkæloʊˌtɜːrmaɪˈtɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Colonia de Cryptotermes Brevis Walker by Davidmoradelpozo. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Cryptotermes brevis by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

1977. Western drywood termite (Incisitermes minor) fecal pellets. Figure 27-C on page 74 in Furniss and Carolin. 1977. Western Forest Insects. (38594678042) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.

Incisitermes minor by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

ITWAMOL - Fig 83 by Robert Evans Snodgrass. Used under a Public domain license.

Neotermes jouteli by Bardusquus. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Kalotermitidae, also known as drywood termites, are a family of termites characterized by their primitive morphology and exclusive wood-dwelling lifestyle, with significant economic implications due to their pest status.

Physical Characteristics

Kalotermitidae exhibit a primitive morphology and lack elaborate nesting architecture. They have mandibles fortified with zinc, adapted for consuming dry wood.

Identification Tips

Identification may be challenging due to their small size and lack of obvious external signs, as they often leave little evidence of their presence within wood.

Habitat

Kalotermitidae live exclusively within excavations in wood and are found in functionally arid environments, often within structures such as furniture, utility towers, and buildings.

Distribution

Kalotermitidae have a cosmopolitan circumtropical distribution with approximately 18 species in 8 genera locally and around 450 species in 21 genera worldwide.

Diet

These termites primarily consume dry wood, which they can digest thanks to symbiotic flagellates in their gut.

Life Cycle

The Kalotermitidae undergo a hemimetabolous lifecycle, lacking a distinct pupal stage. Their immatures can serve as temporary workers before transitioning into adult forms.

Reproduction

Kalotermitidae are eusocial with flexible caste distinctions; they lack a true worker caste, utilizing pseudergates as temporary workers. Dealates mate for life after dispersal flights.

Ecosystem Role

Kalotermitidae contribute to the breakdown of dead wood, impacting nutrient cycling within their habitats.

Economic Impact

Their diet of dry wood often makes them pests, causing damage to various wooden structures and items, including furniture and buildings.

Evolution

Kalotermitidae represent a monophyletic group within the lower termites, showing instances of long-distance transoceanic dispersal in their evolutionary history.

Similar Taxa

Termitidae

Misconceptions

There is a common misconception that all termites require contact with soil; however, Kalotermitidae live entirely within wood excavations and do not require soil contact.