Desert-termite
Guides
Amitermes wheeleri
Wheeler's desert termite
Amitermes wheeleri is a species of desert-dwelling termite in the family Termitidae, originally described as Termes wheeleri by Desneux in 1906. The species belongs to the genus Amitermes, a group of termites known for inhabiting arid and semi-arid environments. Specimens have been collected from tropical regions including Guyana, where individuals have been documented with ectoparasitic fungal infections. The genus Amitermes is notable for being a host to specialized fungal parasites in the genus Termitaria.
Gnathamitermes perplexus
tube-building termite, long-jawed desert termite
Gnathamitermes perplexus is a desert-dwelling termite species known for constructing distinctive sand tubes and for its elongated mandibles. Workers and colony founders transport sand individually using their mandibles to excavate tunnels, a behavior that differs from the cooperative "bucket-brigade" kicking seen in some related termites. The species occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it contributes to soil enrichment and decomposition of dead wood. Populations have been observed to decline following application of certain termiticides, particularly fipronil.
Paraneotermes simplicicornis
Desert Dampwood Termite
Paraneotermes simplicicornis is a desert-dwelling dampwood termite native to arid regions of southwestern North America. It is notable for its distinctive cooperative tunneling behavior, in which workers pass excavated soil backward through the tunnel in a bucket-brigade fashion rather than carrying it individually. The species colonizes dead and decaying Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) and initiates new colonies following monsoon rains, typically in September.