Coptotermes (genus)

Rhinotermitidae • Isoptera • other insect groups • insects (plant pests) • pests-diseases-weeds

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Coptotermes gestroi soldier (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): Simon Hinkley & Ken Walker, Museum Victoria
Source: PaDIL

Coptotermes Wasmann, 1896

The genus contains around 70 species of subterranean termites and appears to be native in south-eastern Asia. Several species have invaded other tropical and subtropical regions and become serious urban pests, destroying wooden structures. The damage causes by species of this genus has been estimated to surpass US$ 20 billion annually.

The genus is characterized by the soldiers having egg-shaped, light brown to orange heads, sharp mandibles and a pale body. The workers are whitish.

Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:

• Coptotermes acinaciformis
• Coptotermes brunneus
• Coptotermes curvignathus
• Coptotermes formosanus

• Coptotermes frenchi
• Coptotermes gestroi
• Coptotermes lacteus
• Coptotermes michaelseni