All about Termite Species

Understand termite species and their impact to your property

Serritermitidae

Hodotermitidae

Termopsidae

Kalotermitidae

Termitidae

Rhinotermitidae

Mastotermitidae

Isoptera (termites) is a small order of insects containing about 2600 described species. Their origin dates back to the late Jurassic period. They are mainly grouped into 7 families, 170 genera and 2600 species.

cies. However, only 300 out of the 2600 species are economically important.

On the basis of habitat, they are classified under Dry wood, Damp wood and Subterranean.

• Dampwood

• Drywood

• Subterranean

In term of damage caused, Dampwood do not present wide spread of pest problem, Drywood however are significant and costly pest. While the subterranean are the major pest problem.

On the basis of their morphology, they are classified under lower and higher termites.

The 7 families of Lower termites are

• Mastotermitidae,

• Kalotermitidae,

• Termopsidae,

• Hodotermitidae,

• Rhinotermitidae,

• Serritermitidae, and

• Termitidae

Lower termites can change their physical caste during development in case of temporal polymorphism. For cellulose digestion, they are depend on symbiotic protozoa in their hingut.

Whereas higher termite is Termitidae which have intestinal bacteria only. They do not passes symbiotic protozoa in their gut and display a more complex external and internal anatomy and social organization.

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