Pterotermes occidentis

(Walker, 1853)

western dry-wood termite

Pterotermes occidentis is a primitive dry-wood and the sole in the Pterotermes. It inhabits extremely arid environments in the Sonoran Desert region, living entirely within single pieces of dry timber. Unlike many termites, it does not maintain contact with soil and completes its entire within its wood .

Pterotermes occidentis by (c) Wendy McCrady, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wendy McCrady. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pterotermes occidentis: //ˌtɛrəˈtɝmiz ˌɒksɪˈdɛntɪs//

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Images

Habitat

Dry wood in extremely arid desert environments. Lives entirely within a single piece of timber without soil contact.

Distribution

Sonoran Desert in southwestern United States, Baja California, and Mexico.

Diet

Dry wood.

Life Cycle

Completes entire within a single piece of wood; no soil contact required.

Similar Taxa

Kalotermes spp.Also primitive dry-wood in Kalotermitidae, but Pterotermes is distinguished by its extreme xeric and status.
Cryptotermes spp.Other dry-wood , but Pterotermes occupies more extreme desert conditions and has more restricted distribution.