Structural-pest
Guides
Anobium
furniture beetles
Anobium is a genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Ptinidae, comprising approximately seven extant and five extinct species. The genus is best known for Anobium punctatum, the common furniture beetle, a significant pest of seasoned timber and wooden structures. The name derives from Greek meaning "lifeless," referring to the beetles' thanatosis behavior when disturbed. Species in this genus are associated with dead wood and wooden materials, with larvae tunneling through timber and causing structural damage.
Anobium punctatum
Common furniture beetle, Common house borer, House borer
Anobium punctatum is a woodboring beetle commonly known as the furniture beetle or house borer. Adults are small beetles measuring 2.7–4.5 mm with brown, ellipsoidal bodies and a distinctive prothorax resembling a monk's cowl. The species has a documented annual emergence pattern in December in some populations, with females laying an average of 54.8 eggs after a short preoviposition period. Larvae bore into and feed upon wood, making this species a significant pest of wooden structures and furniture.
Buprestis aurulenta
golden jewel beetle, golden buprestid, Golden Buprestid Beetle
Buprestis aurulenta, commonly known as the golden jewel beetle or golden buprestid, is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle native to western North America. Adults display brilliant iridescent green coloration with orange margins on the elytra. The species is notable for its exceptionally prolonged larval development, with documented cases of larvae surviving 47 years or more in dry wood before emerging as adults. This longevity makes it one of the most long-lived beetle species known.
Camponotus
Carpenter ants, Typical sugar ants and allies
Camponotus is a large and diverse genus of ants commonly known as carpenter ants, comprising approximately 1,000 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by their habit of excavating wood to create nest galleries, though they do not consume wood as food. The genus exhibits considerable size variation among workers, with major workers often more than twice the size of minors. Camponotus ants are eusocial, forming long-lived colonies with cooperative brood care, overlapping generations, and reproductive division of labor. They occupy diverse ecological roles including predation, scavenging, and mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects.
Camponotus chromaiodes
ferruginous carpenter ant, red carpenter ant
Camponotus chromaiodes, commonly known as the ferruginous or red carpenter ant, is a species of carpenter ant native to the eastern United States with records extending to Nebraska, Kansas, and possibly California. Workers of this species have been observed removing honeydew droplets from spotted lanternfly nymphs, suggesting potential for developing mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects. Like other carpenter ants, it excavates galleries in wood for colony housing rather than consuming wood for nutrition.
Camponotus clarithorax
Carpenter ant
Camponotus clarithorax is a species of carpenter ant in the subgenus Camponotus, native to western North America. It was described by William Morton Creighton in 1950. The species occurs in California, Oregon, and the Baja California Peninsula, with possible records from the eastern United States. Like other carpenter ants, it nests in wood and exhibits the polymorphic worker caste system typical of the genus.
Camponotus laevissimus
giant carpenter ant, Hairy Smooth Carpenter Ant
Camponotus laevissimus is a large carpenter ant native to western North America, ranging from western Canada through the United States to Mexico. Workers are among the largest in the genus, measuring 7–13 mm. The species is notable for its distinctive shiny black coloration with a blue iridescent tint and dense covering of short white hairs. It is primarily diurnal and specializes in nesting within redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens), hollowing out cavities rather than consuming the wood. A documented predator of western spruce budworm pupae, this species plays a role in forest pest dynamics. Formerly known as C. laevigatus, it was reclassified by Mackay in 2019.
carpenter-antredwood-specialistdiurnalforest-pest-predatorwestern-North-AmericaCamponotusFormicidaeHymenopterablue-iridescencewhite-pubescencewestern-spruce-budworm-predatorSequoia-sempervirens-associatemoist-wood-nestinglarge-ant-speciespolymorphic-workersclaustral-colony-foundationhoneydew-tendingstructural-pestMackay-2019formerly-C.-laevigatusCamponotus modoc
Western Carpenter Ant, Western Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus modoc, the western carpenter ant, is a large black ant species native to western North America. Workers exhibit polymorphism, ranging from 7 to 13 mm in length, with dark red legs contrasting against a black body. The species constructs nests in dead wood, including forest logs and human structures, and is known for its mutualistic associations with aphids, particularly Cinara occidentalis on white fir. Research demonstrates trail fidelity and colony recognition abilities, with workers returning to specific aphid colonies even after displacement.
carpenter-antwestern-north-americaaphid-mutualismstructural-pestpolymorphismtrail-fidelitychemical-ecologygiant-sequoia-forestforest-ecologyurban-pestCamponotiniFormicinaeHymenopterainvasive-potentialnestmate-recognitionalarm-communicationforaging-ecologyconifer-forestwood-excavationsatellite-colonyCamponotus pennsylvanicus
Eastern Black Carpenter Ant, Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus pennsylvanicus, the Eastern Black Carpenter Ant, is a large, robust ant species native to eastern North America. Workers measure 3/8 to 1/2 inch in length and are uniformly dark brown to black. Unlike termites, this species excavates wood rather than consuming it, creating galleries in decaying stumps, fallen logs, and hollow trees for colony housing. The species is facultatively polydomous, with colonies sometimes occupying multiple nest sites connected by trails. C. pennsylvanicus is notable for its swimming ability, using forelegs to paddle and mid legs to row when encountering water hazards. The species employs chemical trail-laying for foraging recruitment and practices trophallaxis as a mechanism of social immunity, distributing antimicrobial substances among colony members. While primarily a forest species, it frequently becomes a household pest when satellite colonies establish in moisture-damaged structural wood.
Camponotus planatus
compact carpenter ant, short carpenter ant
Camponotus planatus is a Neotropical carpenter ant species characterized by polygynous colony structure—one of only three Camponotus species known to maintain multiple queens per colony. The species exhibits a distinctive compact body form and has been documented as an invasive species spreading in Florida and Texas. Workers display kin discrimination based on matrilineal relatedness, with division of labor organized along queen lineages within colonies. The species serves as a model for Batesian and Wassmanian mimicry by multiple arthropod species, and has been observed tending the endangered Miami blue butterfly caterpillar in Florida.
Coptotermes
Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites in the family Rhinotermitidae, containing approximately 71 described species. The genus is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and includes some of the world's most economically destructive termite pests, notably Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite) and C. gestroi (Asian subterranean termite). A 2013 consensus among 31 termite experts reduced the number of validated species from 69 to 21 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with many historical names suspected to be synonyms. Species in this genus exhibit complex social behaviors including age-based task division and unique nitrogen recycling strategies.
termitepestinvasivestructural-pestsubterraneanRhinotermitidaeHeterotermitidaeeconomic-pesturban-entomologycolonysocial-insectmoltingnitrogen-recyclingexuviaeage-polyethismFormosan-subterranean-termiteAsian-subterranean-termiteSoutheast-Asia-originwood-feedingcellulosegut-protozoalower-termiteevolutionary-transitiontunnelingforagingtrophallaxisproctodeal-trophallaxiscarton-nestAhamitermesparasitechitin-synthesis-inhibitorCSI-baitmolting-site-fidelityinvasive-speciesurban-peststructural-damagequarantineshippingrailroad-tiesmulchHawaiiFloridaLouisianaTaiwanJapanChinaPhilippinesAustraliatemperature-limitationhumidity-requirementcolony-sizeseveral-millionalatesswarmingnematode-associationvertical-transfermorphological-plasticitymolecular-identificationmitochondrial-DNACOII12S-rRNA16S-rRNAconsortium-taxonomytaxonomic-cold-casesynonymyWasmann-1896Cryptotermes
drywood termites
Cryptotermes is a genus of drywood termites in the family Kalotermitidae, comprising approximately 70 described species with significant economic importance as structural pests. Unlike subterranean termites, species in this genus do not require soil contact and infest dry, seasoned wood directly. The genus has a global distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions, with notable pest species including C. brevis (West Indian drywood termite) and C. dudleyi. Some species exhibit distinctive morphological adaptations, such as the recently described C. mobydicki with its elongated, whale-like soldier head.
Cryptotermes brevis
West Indian drywood termite, powderpost termite
Cryptotermes brevis is a drywood termite in the family Kalotermitidae. Unlike subterranean termites, it does not require soil contact and can complete its entire life cycle within dry wood. The species is a significant invasive pest, having been anthropogenically dispersed from its probable Neotropical origin to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It infests structural timbers, furniture, and wooden objects, causing substantial economic damage. Colonies remain entirely within infested wood pieces, making detection difficult until damage is advanced.
Gastrallini
death-watch beetles
Gastrallini is a tribe of death-watch beetles within the family Ptinidae. The tribe contains at least four genera: Gastrallus, Falsogastrallus, Hemigastrallus, and Mimogastrallus. Members are wood-boring beetles, with some species known to infest seasoned timber and wooden structures. The genus Gastrallus includes species of economic concern as pests of hardwoods.
Hadrobregmini
death-watch beetles
Hadrobregmini is a tribe of death-watch beetles within the family Ptinidae. The tribe contains at least 3 genera and approximately 16 described species. Members of this group are wood-boring beetles, with several genera—particularly Hadrobregmus and Priobium—containing species that infest seasoned timber and structural wood. The tribe is distinguished from other ptinid tribes by specific morphological features of the antennae and pronotum.
Hylotrupes
House Longhorns, House Longhorn Beetle, Old House Borer, European House Borer, Italian Beetle
Hylotrupes is a monotypic genus of woodboring beetles in the family Cerambycidae, containing only the species Hylotrupes bajulus. The genus is the sole member of the tribe Hylotrupini. The species has been introduced globally through timber trade and is recognized as a significant pest of structural softwood timber. Adults are active in summer months, while larvae develop slowly within wood.
Incisitermes minor
Western Drywood Termite
Incisitermes minor, commonly known as the western drywood termite, is a drywood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae. Native to western North America, it has become established across much of the United States and has been introduced to Hawaii, China, and Japan. It is a significant structural pest, ranking as the second most destructive termite in California after the western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus), with estimated annual economic impact of approximately $250 million in California and Arizona combined. The species forms one-piece nests entirely within dry wood, does not require soil contact, and exhibits temperature-driven seasonal and daily activity patterns.
Incisitermes snyderi
Southeastern Drywood Termite
A drywood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae, found in the southeastern United States. Colonies are small to moderate in size and live entirely within wood without soil contact. The species is a significant pest of structural timber and wooden objects in its range.
Kalotermes approximatus
Dark Southern Drywood Termite
Kalotermes approximatus is a drywood termite in the family Kalotermitidae, commonly known as the dark southern drywood termite. The species is classified as an uncommon structural pest that infests wooden structures and trees without requiring soil contact. It is distributed across the southeastern United States from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, and plays a role as a decomposer of dead wood and woody debris in natural ecosystems.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
Coreidaeleaf-footed-bugagricultural-pestinvasive-speciessymbiosissexual-dimorphismconifer-pestnuisance-pestBurkholderiatachinid-parasitoidpheromone-communicationbuilding-invadermisidentificationTriatoma-look-alikegradual-metamorphosisseed-predatorforest-pestornamental-pestplumbing-damagepublic-health-confusionChileEuropeNorth-AmericaSouth-AmericaAsiaTurkeyalmond-pestcitrus-pesttomato-pestcorn-pestoverwintering-aggregationdefensive-secretionpheromone-mediated-parasitismegg-parasitoidbiological-controlecological-niche-modelingclimate-suitabilityrange-expansionintroductionaccidental-dispersalseed-orchard-pestgermination-reductionempty-seed-formationcone-damagelodgepole-pineDouglas-firwestern-conifer-seed-bugL.-occidentalisL.-zonatusL.-phyllopusL.-clypealisL.-australisL.-chilensisL.-oppositusmale-combatfemoral-weaponabdominal-glandpheromone-glandtibial-dilationleaf-like-hind-legtrue-bugHemipteraHeteropteraPentatomomorphaAnisosceliniphytophagousplant-feedingstylet-feedingsalivary-sheathoverwinteringdiapausebuilding-entrystructural-pestnuisance-odorflight-sounddroning-flightaggregation-behaviormale-pheromonefemale-choiceparasitoid-hostbiological-control-agentintegrated-pest-managementmonitoringearly-detectionpreventioninvasion-biologyalien-speciesnon-native-pestglobal-spreadclimate-changeniche-modelingsuitable-habitatestablishment-riskquarantinephytosanitaryforest-healthseed-productionreforestationafforestationconifer-forestrypine-seedseed-viabilityeconomic-impactcrop-lossyield-reductionkernel-damagefruit-damagenut-damagevector-of-diseaseChagas-diseasekissing-bugpublic-alarmmisinformationeducationidentification-toolshealth-system-burdenpesticide-overuseurban-ecologydomiciliaryperidomiciliaryAndean-regionPatagoniaMediterraneantemperatesubtropicaltropicalagroecosystemnatural-enemypredatorparasitepathogensymbiontgut-microbiomesoil-ingestionfitness-benefitreproductive-successsperm-morphologytesticular-morphologyaccessory-glandpheromone-blendspecies-specific-odorcherry-scentvanilla-scentcinnamon-scentrose-scentolfactory-communicationmate-locationmate-recognitionsexual-selectionmale-male-competitionweapon-morphologyallometrydevelopmental-plasticitynymphal-instaregg-barrelegg-arrangementlinear-ovipositionleaf-surfaceplant-tissuestylet-penetrationenzymatic-digestionfluid-feedingphloem-feedingxylem-feedingseed-feedingcone-feedingfruit-feedingkernel-feedingnut-feedingcrop-feedinghost-plant-rangepolyphagyoligophagyspecialistgeneralistpest-statusdamage-thresholdeconomic-injury-levelmanagement-strategycultural-controlphysical-controlchemical-controlresistancetolerancehost-plant-resistancemonitoring-traplight-trappopulation-densitydistribution-mapspread-ratecolonizationestablishmentpopulation-dynamicslife-tabledevelopmental-ratethermal-requirementsdegree-daysphenologyvoltinismunivoltinebivoltinemultivoltinegeneration-timeoverwintering-sitehibernaculumshelter-seekingcold-hardinessfreeze-tolerancesupercoolingwater-relationsdesiccation-resistancestarvation-resistancedispersal-abilityflight-capacitywalking-behaviorclimbing-behavioraggregation-pheromonealarm-pheromonestink-glandmetathoracic-glanddorsoabdominal-glandventral-abdominal-glandsexual-glandmorphological-defensechemical-defensemechanical-defenseautotomyleg-losspredation-riskparasitism-riskparasitoid-riskpathogen-riskcompetitionintraspecificinterspecificresource-competitionmating-competitionsperm-competitioncryptic-female-choicereproductive-isolationspeciationphylogenysystematicstaxonomymorphologyanatomyhistologyultrastructurespermatogenesisspermatozoasperm-lengthnuclear-lengthcyst-productionfollicle-numbertestis-structurereproductive-anatomygenitaliamating-behaviorcopulationinseminationovipositionegg-productionfecundityfertilityhatching-successnymphal-survivaladult-longevitysex-ratiooperational-sex-ratiopopulation-sex-ratioeffective-population-sizegenetic-diversitygene-flowpopulation-structurephylogeographybiogeographyhistorical-biogeographyvicariancedispersalrange-shiftrange-contractionaltitudinal-distributionlatitudinal-distributionlongitudinal-distributionisland-distributioncontinental-distributionendemismcosmopolitanismintroduced-rangenative-rangesource-populationfounder-populationinvasion-frontlag-phaseestablishment-phasespread-phaseequilibrium-phaseimpact-assessmentrisk-assessmenthorizon-scanningearly-warningrapid-responseeradicationcontainmentcontrolmanagementadaptationmitigationrestorationconservationbiodiversityecosystem-serviceecosystem-functionfood-webtrophic-levelprimary-consumerherbivorefruit-predatorplant-animal-interactionmutualismantagonismpredationparasitismcommensalismamensalismfacilitationindirect-interactiontrait-mediated-interactiondensity-mediated-interactionbehavioral-ecologyevolutionary-ecologyfunctional-ecologyphysiological-ecologypopulation-ecologycommunity-ecologyecosystem-ecologylandscape-ecologymacroecologyglobal-ecologyapplied-ecologyagricultural-ecologyforest-ecologyconservation-biologyinvasion-ecologyrestoration-ecologypest-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlparasitoidnematodefungusbacteriumvirusentomopathogenmicrobial-controlsterile-insect-techniquegenetic-controlmating-disruptionattract-and-killpush-pulltrap-cropborder-croprefugehabitat-managementcultural-practicecrop-rotationtillageirrigationfertilizationpruningharvest-timingsanitationresidue-managementweed-managementcover-cropcompanion-plantingintercroppingagroforestrysilvicultureforest-managementseed-orchard-managementcone-collectionseed-extractionseed-testinggermination-testingseed-qualityseed-vigorempty-seedinsect-damageinsect-injuryfeeding-scarpuncturestylet-sheathsalivary-flangesymptomsigndiagnosissamplingeconomic-thresholddecision-supportexpert-systemmodelingsimulationforecastingclimate-modelniche-modelspecies-distribution-modelhabitat-suitabilityrisk-mappinginvasion-pathwayintroduction-vectortradetransporttourismmigrationnatural-dispersalhuman-mediated-dispersalaccidental-introductionintentional-introductionreleaseescapecultivationornamentalforestryagriculturehorticultureurbanizationglobalizationland-use-changehabitat-fragmentationhabitat-lossdegradationpollutionpesticidefertilizernutrient-enrichmenteutrophicationacidificationwarmingdroughtextreme-eventdisturbancesuccessionrecoveryresiliencestabilityvariabilityuncertaintysustainable-developmentgreen-economycircular-economybioeconomyecosystem-approachone-healthplanetary-healthenvironmental-healthpublic-healthveterinary-healthplant-healthfood-securitynutritionlivelihoodpovertyinequalitygenderindigenous-knowledgetraditional-knowledgelocal-knowledgecitizen-sciencestakeholder-engagementpolicygovernanceregulationlegislationinternational-cooperationcapacity-buildingawarenesscommunicationoutreachextensionadvisory-serviceresearchinnovationtechnology-transferknowledge-exchangenetworkingpartnershipcollaborationevaluationevidence-based-policyscience-policy-interfacediplomacyadvocacyactivismsocial-movementenvironmental-justiceenvironmental-ethicsenvironmental-philosophyenvironmental-humanitiesenvironmental-historyenvironmental-literatureenvironmental-artenvironmental-educationenvironmental-communicationscience-communicationrisk-communicationcrisis-communicationhealth-communicationbehavior-changepro-environmental-behaviorsustainable-behaviorconsumptionproductionwasterecyclingreusereductionefficiencyrenewablecleangreenbluenaturalorganicagroecologypermacultureregenerativerestorativehealingtransformativetransdisciplinaryinterdisciplinarymultidisciplinarycross-disciplinarydisciplinarydisciplinary-integrationknowledge-integrationsystem-thinkingcomplexityemergencenon-linearityfeedbacktipping-pointregime-shiftalternative-stable-stateresilience-thinkingadaptive-managementadaptive-governancelearningreflectionparticipationinclusionequityjusticefairnessethicsvaluesnormscultureidentityplacesense-of-placeattachmentwell-beingquality-of-lifehappinessflourishingthrivingsustainabilitysustainabledevelopmentgrowthdegrowthpost-growthsteady-statecirculardoughnut-economicsplanetary-boundariessafe-operating-spacetipping-elementscritical-transitionearly-warning-signalresilience-indicatorsustainability-indicatorbenchmarktargetgoalcommitmentpledgeagreementtreatyconventionprotocolframeworkstrategyplanprogramprojectinitiativecampaignmovementcoalitionalliancenetworkplatformhubcenterinstituteorganizationassociationsocietyunionfederationconfederationfoundationtrustfundbankfacilitymechanisminstrumenttoolmethodapproachtechniqueprocedureprocesssystemstructureinstitutionadministrationoperationservicedeliveryprovisionsupplydemandmarketeconomyfinanceinvestmentfundingfinancingresourcecapitalassetliabilityincomeexpenditurerevenuecostbenefitprofitlossreturnyieldoutcomeoutputinputthroughputproductivityeffectivenessperformancequalitystandardcriterionindicatormetricmeasureassessmentappraisalreviewauditverificationvalidationcertificationaccreditationrecognitionawardprizehonordistinctionexcellencebest-practicelesson-learnedexperienceexpertisecompetencecapacitycapabilityskillknowledgeinformationdataevidencesciencediscoveryinventioncreationdesigntestingpilotingscalingmainstreaminguptakeadoptiondiffusiondisseminationpublicationreportingdocumentationarchivingpreservationrehabilitationreconstructionreplicationduplicationbackupsecuritysafetyprotectionsafeguardinginsurancerisk-managementemergency-preparednessresponsereliefhumanitarianpeaceprosperityhealthemploymenthousinginfrastructureenergywaterfoodfisheryaquacultureminingmanufacturingindustrycommercerecreationheritagenatureecosystemenvironmentclimateatmosphereoceanfreshwaterlandsoilmineralbiotaflorafaunamicroorganismfungiplantanimalvertebrateinvertebratearthropodinsectbugHemipteranHeteropteranpentatomomorphancoreoidcoreidsquash-bugboxelder-bugstink-bugshield-bugplant-bugmiridlygaeidseed-bugbroad-headed-bugalydidreduviidassassin-bugtriatominebed-bugcimicidwater-bugnepomorphangerromorphanleptopodomorphanenicocephalomorphandipsocoromorphanceratocomboidschizopteroidpeloridioidcoleorrhynchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLiometopum occidentale
velvety tree ant, Western Velvety Tree Ant
Liometopum occidentale, commonly known as the velvety tree ant, is a species of ant in the subfamily Dolichoderinae native to western North America. The species is frequently misidentified as carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) due to shared morphological traits including polymorphic workers, a smooth convex thoracic profile, and wood-excavating behavior. This misidentification has led to underreporting of its significance as a structural pest in California, Oregon, and Washington. Colonies are large and polydomous, with worker populations estimated between 40,000 and 60,000 individuals.
Marginitermes hubbardi
light western drywood termite
Marginitermes hubbardi, commonly called the light western drywood termite, is a drywood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae. It is distinguished from the sympatric Incisitermes minor by its notably paler winged reproductives. The species is native to arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America, where it colonizes dry wood including living trees, dead cacti, and human structures. Unlike dampwood or subterranean termites, it does not require soil contact or high moisture levels to establish colonies.
Neotermes castaneus
Florida dampwood termite, southern damp-wood termite
Neotermes castaneus is a dampwood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae, commonly known as the Florida dampwood termite or southern damp-wood termite. It is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the Kalotermitidae family, it is a drywood-type termite that does not require contact with soil moisture, distinguishing it from subterranean termites.
Neotermes jouteli
Joutel's drywood termite
Neotermes jouteli is a large Neotropical drywood termite native to South Florida and the West Indies. It is the largest termite species in Florida, with soldiers reaching 13.35 mm and winged alates approximately 16.05 mm. The species is notable for its distinctive deeply depressed, rugose frons in the imago stage.
Reticulitermes hageni
light southeastern subterranean termite, light southern subterranean termite
Reticulitermes hageni is a native North American subterranean termite in the family Heterotermitidae. It occurs in the southeastern United States, where it inhabits soil and feeds on cellulose material. The species is one of several Reticulitermes species responsible for structural damage to wooden buildings and is distinguished from congeners by genetic and cuticular hydrocarbon profiles rather than morphology alone.
Reticulitermes hesperus
western subterranean termite
A subterranean termite species native to the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from British Columbia to Southern California. Recent molecular studies indicate this name may represent a species complex rather than a single biological species, with spring-swarming populations in California now recognized as distinct from fall-winter swarming populations (described as R. rusti). Colonies are eusocial with queens, workers, soldiers, and winged reproductives. This species is a significant structural pest in its native range.
Trichonephila clavata
Jorō spider, Joro Spider, Parachute spider
Trichonephila clavata, commonly known as the Jorō spider, is a large orb-weaving spider native to East Asia that has become established as an invasive species in the southeastern United States since approximately 2010. First confirmed in Georgia in 2014, it has expanded rapidly across multiple states through a combination of ballooning dispersal and human-mediated transport. The species is notable for its substantial size, striking coloration, and extensive golden webs, but poses minimal risk to humans due to small fangs and docile behavior. Its physiological adaptations—including higher metabolic rate, faster heart rate, and greater cold tolerance than its congener Trichonephila clavipes—suggest potential for continued northward range expansion.
invasive-speciesorb-weaverballooningurban-wildlifebiological-controlcold-tolerancestartle-responsecannibalismkleptoparasitismJapanese-folkloreNephilidaeTrichonephilaspider-silkrange-expansionphysiological-adaptationurban-ecologyagricultural-pest-predatoriNaturalistGeorgiaMarylandEast-AsiaUnited-Statesspider-bitevenomdocilenon-aggressiveweb-architectureegg-sacoverwinteringsexual-dimorphismmetabolic-rateheart-ratefreeze-toleranceroad-ecologyprey-capturecompetitionnative-spider-impactspublic-perceptionmedia-sensationalismmanagementpesticide-alternativesbroom-removalornamentalstructural-pestornithologycardinalweb-strengthtrophic-interactionsDNA-metabarcodingdiet-analysisspecies-distribution-modelphysiological-entomologybehavioral-ecologyarachnologyballooning-dispersalhuman-mediated-dispersalhitchhikercargo-stowawayport-of-entryclimate-changewarmingnorthward-expansionDMVHoward-CountyElkridgeIlchesterWest-Elkridgebeech-forestsecondary-forestsuburbanroadsidetelephone-polestreetlampforest-edgedisturbance-toleranceprey-detectionvibrational-noiseauditory-disturbancemotionlessfreezingshynessHannibal-Lecterstink-buglanternflyevolutionary-historyancient-associationecosystem-servicebiocontrolnatural-enemyinvasive-pestbrown-marmorated-stink-bugspotted-lanternflyHalyomorpha-halysLycorma-delicatulacompetitive-exclusiondominant-orb-weaverabundantpopulation-growthrapid-spreadrange-span120,000-km2physiological-plasticitymetabolismtwice-as-high77%-higher-heart-rate74%-freeze-survivaldevelopment-rateseasonal-windowlife-cycle-completionthermal-limitationcongener-comparisonnatural-dispersalhuman-transportiNaturalist-recordcitizen-scienceconfirmed-sightingbreeding-populationmale-and-femalegravid-femaleegg-casestowawaycargo-containerport-introductionlocal-portvehicle-transporthitchhikingaccelerated-arrivalseveral-yearsnatural-meansprognosticationpredictionmodelsuitable-habitatabundant-suitable-habitateastern-North-Americawestern-North-Americapotential-rangeinvasive-rangepotential-impactenvironmental-impactecological-impactecosystem-impactmonitorcautiousevidence-basedreasonable-journalismsensationalismexaggerationuncritical-acceptanceharmlesscarefully-monitorednext-stepsresearch-opportunitycall-for-researchknowledge-gaplittle-knownnovel-ecosystemspreadingrapidly-expandinginvasive-predatorinvasive-orb-weavernon-nativeintroducedestablishedcolonizedthrivingdoing-finehappymerely-20-minutes-awayroad-tripvisitaccess-spreadbeech-leaf-diseaseBLDstate-forestremarkable-colonyamongst-beech-treesconfirmed-prognosticationDavis-and-Frickescape-relative-warmthexpand-range-northwardeastern-seaboardmerely-20-minutes-away-from-homeresist-opportunityamazing-predatorstales-of-arrivalprevious-episodes20222024reduce-angstlarge-non-native-spiderestablishing-in-DMVfacts-presentedpast-episodevenomous-terrible-painfulNahexpert-Rick-Hoebekerisks-smallpuny-fangsunlikely-pierce-skinvideocompletely-non-aggressiveeastern-Howard-Countyhaphazard-webslittered-with-remainsformer-victimsleavesshed-exoskeletonsmuch-larger-femaledwarfs-matepositioned-just-abovestrand-of-silkspinneretsunderside-of-abdomennear-red-moundrelative-to-handlarge-and-docilewait-and-seewhat-Jorō-means-to-ecosystemshelp-other-spidersput-a-beat-down-on-invasive-pestsstink-bugsspotted-lanternfliespassive-huntersenormous-webslarger-than-a-meter-in-diametercapture-prey-snared-in-silkarachnophobes-scaryarachnophiles-beautifulimportant-ecosystem-servicescrop-pestsnative-rangeAsiahaving-an-old-friend-over-for-dinnerreunitefirst-timelarge-spidersjuicy-prey-itemsfeathered-and-non-feathered-reptilesposes-no-known-threatdifficult-to-predict-impactnon-native-speciesexperts-suggestbeyond-scary-miengive-indigenous-large-orb-weavers-run-for-their-moneyblack-and-yellow-garden-spidermarbled-orb-weaverspotted-orb-weaverother-parts-of-worldmost-abundant-and-dominant-orb-weaverwhat-will-it-meanonly-time-will-tellfinal-tidbitJorō-shapeshifterJorō-gumobeautiful-womanseduces-menbinds-with-silkdevoursbad-dateacknowledgementsRick-Hoebekeidentifying-JorōinsightsDavid-CoyleBob-Bellingergreat-imagesknowledgestudiesVeni-vidi-viciNelsen-et-al.Physiological-evaluationNephila-clavata-newly-recordedHoebeke-et-al.Life-Cycle-Habitat-and-VariationMooreStartle-responsesDavis-and-AneraoHow-Urban-Tolerant-Are-TheyDavis-et-al.inspirationdetailsstarsDave-ClementMiri-TalabacMaddie-Potterhooked-up-with-colonydifferentiateresources.ipmcenters.orglinkJorō-guruDavid-Coyle's-takeYouTubecalm-your-fearsJournal-of-Economic-EntomologyJournal-of-Medical-Entomologychemical-management-strategieseffective-management-methodsspider-control-productssafe-and-effectiveunlikely-to-bitegenerally-harmlessbig-spiderscolorful-spidersinvasive-spidersin-your-face-spiderswebs-on-homeslandscape-plantsstructuresmiddle-of-where-people-live-work-and-playnorthern-Georgia-2014presumed-arrived-few-years-prior15-yearsincreased-dramaticallymuch-of-Southeastdisjunct-populationsnortheastern-U.S.firestorm-of-interestrapidly-expanding-rangesoutheastern-statesmany-countiesCarolinasTennesseeOklahomamore-than-a-centuryparts-of-Floridararely-Pennsylvaniatropicsthermal-limitationshigher-metabolismfaster-heart-ratebetter-ability-to-tolerate-freezingcomplete-life-cycle-rapidlychilly-temperaturessuite-of-adaptationsexpand-northwardwarm-loving-cousinfindings-support-potentialmuch-yet-to-be-learnedsuccessfully-survive-northern-wintersnation-and-world-warmsouthern-species-expandhigher-latitudes-and-altitudesrapidly-range-expansion-will-occurtypical-mode-of-dispersalaerial-dispersalballooning-on-strands-of-silkCharlotte's-babiesCharlotte's-Webspectacular-monikerparachute-spiderrain-down-from-airplaneslong-distance-transithuman-assistancegood-hitchhikersinseminated-gravid-femaleegg-case-stowawayarrival-in-DMVseveral-years-by-natural-meansnew-introduction-at-local-porthuman-assist-in-vehiclesaccelerate-arrivalterrible-and-painfulsmall-fangsvisited-cousingolden-silk-spiderCosta-Ricaexceeding-meter-diameterindigenous-large-orb-weaversrun-for-their-moneyminimal-direct-impactfirestormAndrew-DavisBenjamin-FrickUniversity-of-Georgiapast-weeknative-to-eastern-AsiaJapanChinaKoreaTaiwanknown-in-Georgia-since-2013spreading-rapidlyjoined-its-cousinTrichonephila-clavipesestablished-over-160-yearsbetter-tolerate-freezingsurvive-northern-wintersrapidly-range-expansiontypical-modelong-distancenew-introductionhuman-assistarachnophobesarachnophilesbrown-marmorated-stink-bugsdifficult-to-predictscary-mienindigenous-orb-weaversMary-NouriSarah-MorganWAMUrelatively-harmlessspider-seasonfallleaves-changing-colorcool-crisp-autumn-airpumpkin-spiceextension-entomologistSoutheastnot-just-spiders20-feet-widehomespeople-live-work-and-play15-years-or-soinflux-of-callspublicentomology-extension-programsmedia-frenzytwo-questionsget-rid-of-Jorō-spidersare-Jorō-spiders-dangerousClemson-UniversitySouthern-Adventist-UniversityWashington-CollegeUnion-Collegetwo-new-studiestest-methods-for-eliminatinghow-likely-to-biteharmscoured-internetrecommended-treatment-optionsspider-specific-management-recommendationsmedically-relevantwidow-spidersbrown-reclusesdo-not-enter-homesrelatively-newrecommended-productslabelled-spider-control-productstested-productsseveral-products-eliminatenot-legal-pesticidesmachine-lubricantnot-recommendedcommercially-availablestrongly-encouragelabelled-productseasiest-and-cheapestwithout-chemicalsbroom-or-stickwalked-into-spider-webrode-biketook-spider-to-facenot-great-feelingwonder-if-biteygive-bitten-superpowersunique-studiesevaluated-behaviorsreact-to-peoplerather-drop-off-webhang-around-and-bitereally-provokevolunteered-to-get-bittenyes-you-read-correctlyakin-to-mosquito-bitelittle-rednesslittle-swellinglargely-gone-next-dayno-acquired-superpowerstake-home-messagetwofoldsimplest-and-most-effectivewithout-pesticidesfeel-you-need-pesticidesproduct-labeled-for-spider-controltry-not-to-freak-outdoesn't-want-to-be-on-youodds-of-getting-bitten-extremely-lowenjoy-glorious-fall-weatherdrink-pumpkin-spiced-beveragewatch-where-you-walkKeep-calm-and-carry-onbites-unlikelycause-minimal-discomfortassociate-professorDepartment-of-Forestry-and-Environmental-Conservationsocialsemailextensionfeaturedpest-managementEntomology-Todaylatest-postsemail-subscriptionMarch-2022wonderedmake-its-way-to-DMVSeptember-2022two-observationsthree-years40-sightingshappy-and-doing-just-fineseveral-Howard-County-locationsweek-or-so-agoteam-of-scientistsUniversitymissionkilling-ultra-valuable-beech-treesthriving-amongst-beech-treesvisit-amazing-predatorsmature-femalesboth-Trichonephila-speciesthree-locally-common-orb-weaving-speciestime-spent-immobilemild-disturbancebrief-puff-of-airair-puff-response-datafive-other-North-American-speciespublished-literature453-observationsfreezing-behavior10-spider-speciesremained-immobile-under-a-minuteboth-Trichonephila-spidersover-an-hourunprecedentedshyest-ever-documentedtolerate-urban-environmentsremaining-motionlessfleeingnonsexual-cannibalismmating-activityfemales-cannibalize-malesfood-availabilityterritorial-aggressionSoutheastern-United-Statesexpanding-rangeshybehavioral-reactionsdescriptive-observationsphoto-documentationanecdotal-observationscontrolled-pairingslabnatural-websfieldone-female-biting-and-killing-anothershort-fightsimilar-sizecontainer25-trialsfights-ensued-40%different-sizes27-trialsfights-happened-18%larger-females-not-always-aggressor52-lab-trialssix-bouts9%direct-killingfield-trialsempty-web14-trialsone-fight7%aggressor-killing-and-wrappingsilkaway-from-any-webnot-necessarily-territorialityintraspecific-aggressionprovoked-or-stresseddeserves-more-studynewly-invasivebiologyphysiologynew-rangeclosely-related-speciessuccessfully-established160-yearsinvestigationcompareonline-recordsiNaturalist.orgseasonal-distributionstimingfemalesphysiological-traitsenvironmental-tolerancemetabolic-ratescardiac-functioningcold-exposuresurvivalbrief-below-freezing-temperatureshorter-seasoncomplete-lifecyclenarrow-periodsuitable-weatherinherently-higher-metabolismlow-temperaturesurvive-better74%-compared-to-50%brief-freezecolder-climatic-regionsoutheastern-USAuseful-informationplanningurban-landscapesbusy-roadsfrequent-disturbancesauditory-and-vibrationalphysiological-or-behavioral-changesnortheast-Georgiavarying-levels-of-road-trafficprey-capture-behaviorsimulated-preytuning-fork128-hz-frequencytouched-to-webattacked357-total-trials20-different-roadsattacked-59%high-variabilitysome-roadsides-over-80%others-less-than-30%small-but-significant-negative-correlationdaily-road-trafficspider-attack-ratesmoderate--to-heavy-traffic-roadsslightly-less-likely-to-attack51%-vs-65%able-to-live-near-roadscost-in-terms-of-prey-capturedid-not-weigh-lesscompensate-for-disturbanceaccumulating-evidencehuman-dominated-landscapesaid-spreadintroduced-rangeEriostethus-rufuspolysphinctine-ectoparasitoidaraneid-spidersNeoscona-spp.endemic-to-JapanYamagata-Prefecture38º46'-Nnorthern-Japannorthernmost-recordgenusidentification-confirmedmorphologyDNA-barcodingcocoonlarge-modified-webuniqueinverted-triangleover-50-cmhanging-from-ill-defined-partno-organized-structurehost-spidercircumstantial-evidencesstructure-of-modified-webpre-existing-web-partly-reusedorb-web-completely-removedsustaining-threads-newly-mooredparasitises-host-spiderstwo-subfamiliesunusual-for-groupinvasion-potentialknown-invasive-rangereviewdispersal-abilitiespotential-impactsmanagement-strategiesOctober-2022at-least-120,000-km2South-CarolinaNorth-CarolinaAlabamaWest-Virginiapattern-of-spreadnatural-dispersal-mechanismshuman-mediated-transportlarge-bodied-orb-weaversflying-insectssmall-animalsthirteen-co-occurring-spider-speciesmonitored-for-competitionresourcesweb-building-sitesnatural-and-urban-habitatsmanagement-options-limitedadvise-journalists-and-expertsagainst-exaggerating-potential-environmental-impactecologically-harmlessrapid-spread-carefully-monitoredcautious-evidence-based-approachdetermining-next-stepsthree-material-typesweb-captureintroduced-speciesalter-established-trophic-interactionsmolecular-analysisresolve-changescommunity-structureforaging-linkseast-coastfecal-samplesprey-remains-from-websdissected-gutscompare-diet-compositionarthropod-targeted-COI-primersIllumina-MiSeqhighest-diversityhighest-richnesshighest-proportion-prey-readsrecovery-of-prey-readsdissected-gut-contentlowoverwhelmed-by-Jorō-spider-DNAhigh-proportions-Jorō-spider-readshigher-prey-diversity-and-richnessdetected-prey-DNAseveral-days-after-captureinitial-gut-retention-time-estimatesfirst-glimpsecomplexity-of-trophic-associationsintroduced-web-building-spiderviable-materialsource-of-prey-DNAestimates-of-biodiversityJammu-and-Kashmirnorthernmost-shiftingdocument-presencebehaviorhabitat-adaptationcolder-temperature-environmentGoha-TehsilDoda-district1556.74-metersroad-bridgenearby-vegetationbrightly-colored-abdomensblackgreenyellowredlong-legsyellow-and-black-bandingspredominantly-seensmallerfewerunique-behaviorsremaining-motionless-after-disturbances5-10-meters-of-roadsadaptation-to-human-settlementsfield-observationsimage-documentationexpert-confirmationthrive-in-colder-conditions15-20-degrees-CelsiusOctober-Novemberno-spider-foundhigher-elevationssignificantly-lower-temperaturesadaptation-limited-to-milder-cold-regionsnew-insightadaptationneed-for-further-researchnon-native-habitatseggsoverwinterharsh-weather-conditionsno-protectioncompact-silk-casemilky-coatingchorionic-microspheresCMfine-structural-characteristicsecological-importanceuneven-size-distributionouter-eggmassevenly-coveredsingle-layerdiameter-2.3-µmshort-papillary-projectionssegmental-adhesionmucous-componentsinsoluble-in-waterpartially-soluble-in-absolute-ethanolspherical-structureHFIPstrong-organic-solventnot-derived-from-vitellogenic-or-choriogenetic-processesCM-adhesive-coatingsovipositional-processequivalent-to-cocoon-silkprotective-functionssilken-eggcaseNorthern-CardinalCardinalis-cardinalisperchessteals-foodsoutheast-of-the-United-Statesquestionsnative-fauna-affectedconsuming-prey-itemsexamplenative-species-deriving-benefitmanner-of-kleptoparasitismperched-directly-on-websupported-its-weight42-48-gfirst-documented-casespider-web-supporting-perching-birdmeasurementsforce-gaugetypical-webssupport-masses-up-to-70-gsmall-but-growing-body-of-knowledgenon-native-spiderspecies-distribution-modelsecological-niche-modelingpredict-areasestablish-if-introducedthree-distinct-genetic-lineagesmitochondrial-COIgenome-wide-SNPsKorean-Peninsula