Joshua-tree

Guides

• 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.

  Kalotermitidaedesert-termiteJoshua-treecooperative-behaviorsoil-excavationbucket-brigade-transportMojave-DesertArizonaCaliforniasocial-insect