Cryptotermes cynocephalus

Indo-Malaysian drywood termite
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Infraorder: Isoptera
Family: Kalotermitidae
Genus: Cryptotermes
Species:
C. cynocephalus
Binomial name
Cryptotermes cynocephalus
Light, 1921
Synonyms
  • Cryptotermes buitenzorgi Kemner, 1934

The Indo-Malaysian drywood termite, (Cryptotermes cynocephalus), is a species of dry wood termite of the genus Cryptotermes.[1] It is found in Philippines, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and introduced to Sri Lanka.[2] It is the smallest termite species in Australia, with 2.5 – 3.7mm in soldiers.

Description

  • Imago - General body color is pale brown. Abdomen is darker than head and pronotum. Jointed appendages are creamy white.
  • Soldier - On soldier's head, there is a strongly V-shaped frontal flange. Head is complete black with orange posterior. Head strongly concave in middle. Mandibles short and stout. Teeth are weak. Eyes very small and rudiment-like.[3]

Habitat

This species thrives in drywood environments and is often found in wooden structures, furniture, and dead trees. Unlike subterranean termites, Cryptotermes cynocephalus does not require contact with soil.[4]

Behaviour & Ecology

Cryptotermes cynocephalus is a social insect, living in colonies that consist of workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals. The colonies are usually found within the wood they infest, where they excavate galleries for nesting and feeding.[5]

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Cryptotermes cynocephalus includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. Reproductives engage in nuptial flights to establish new colonies, which typically occurs during warm, humid conditions.[6]

Impact

The feeding preference of this species of drywood termites was found to be from most to least preferred: Falcataria moluccana, Acacia mangium, Gmelina arborea, Swietenia macrophylla, and Eucalyptus deglupta in a series of no-choice and choice feeding trials in the Philippines.[7] These wood species are used widely for light construction, in plywood and veneer based products where termite infestations can cause severe damage.

Economic impact

Cryptotermes cynocephalus is considered a significant pest due to its ability to damage wooden structures and furniture. Infestations can result in costly repairs and replacements, making effective management and control measures essential.[8]

Control

Oleic Acid isolated from Cerbera manghas are known to have effective controlling activities against termites.[9]

References

  1. ^ "Cryptotermes – Drywood termites". Termite Web. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  2. ^ "An annotated checklist of termites (Isoptera) from Sri Lanka". National Science Foundation. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  3. ^ "Termites f:rom Thailand" (PDF). BulL Gov. For. Exp. Sta. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  4. ^ Robinson, William H., "Arthropoda", Handbook of Urban Insects and Arachnids, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 389–440, retrieved 2024-07-12
  5. ^ Noirot, Charles; Darlington, Johanna P. E. C. (2000), "Termite Nests: Architecture, Regulation and Defence", Termites: Evolution, Sociality, Symbioses, Ecology, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 121–139, ISBN 978-90-481-5476-0, retrieved 2024-07-15
  6. ^ NUTTING, W.L. (1969), "Flight and Colony Foundation**This contribution and some of the unpublished work contained herein were supported by State Research Project 461 in the Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arizona, Tucson.", Biology of Termites, Elsevier, pp. 233–282, ISBN 978-0-12-395529-6, retrieved 2024-07-15
  7. ^ Romano, A.D.; Acda, M.N. (2017). "Feeding preference of the drywood termite Cryptotermes cynocephalus (Kalotermitidae) against industrial tree plantation species in the Philippines". Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 20 (4): 1161–1164. Bibcode:2017JAsPE..20.1161R. doi:10.1016/j.aspen.2017.08.026.
  8. ^ Su, Nan-Yao; Scheffrahn, Rudolf H. (2000), "Termites as Pests of Buildings", Termites: Evolution, Sociality, Symbioses, Ecology, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 437–453, ISBN 978-90-481-5476-0, retrieved 2024-07-15
  9. ^ Tarmadi, Didi; Himmi, S. Khoirul; Yusuf, Sulaeman (2014). "The Efficacy of the Oleic Acid Isolated from Cerbera Manghas L. Seed Against a Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes Gestroi Wasmann and a Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes Cynocephalus Light". Procedia Environmental Sciences. 20: 772–777. Bibcode:2014PrEnS..20..772T. doi:10.1016/j.proenv.2014.03.093.