Family overview
Soldiers with rectangular heads and frontal pore (fontanelle) that secretes defensive chemicals. Build extensive underground galleries.
Cause billions in structural damage globally. Formosan termite is the most destructive termite in New Orleans — devours French Quarter buildings.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Soil · Wood
Approx. species
350
Notable members
Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus)