In contrast to the drywood termite, they are associated with decaying wood and may be found in rotting planks and around leaky showers, baths, roofs, and in areas without sufficient ventilation. In order to survive, these termites need high degrees of humidity and regular contact with water.ĭampwood termites typically do not nest in soil but look for wood with a high moisture content in which to create their habitat, often creating their nest in partially-buried wood, such as stumps of trees or fallen branches. In general, colonies are small but can become large if conditions are conducive. They make a chamber within a suitable piece of wood and produce eggs there. Nymphs usually require the assistance of worker termites to molt however, dampwood termites can molt without assistance.Ī pair of alates (winged termites) starts a new colony of dampwood termites. The first two stages last approximately a month each and the adult life span can be from one to several years. The life cycle can be divided into 3 stages egg, nymph, and adult. Swarming is influenced by light, humidity, temperature, and barometric pressure Life CycleĪs with other termites, dampwood termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis, and the nymphs show a lot of similarities to the adult in appearance, gradually molting to assume its fully adult appearance. Specialised organisms in the dampwood termites’ digestive system allow them to digest wood.ĭampwood termites swarm in small numbers at several intervals per year. There is no worker caste in this species, so nymphs do the work in the colony. Nymphs are cream in colour and have a spotted pattern on the abdomen, which is caused by the presence of food in the intestines.They have straight antennae and a straight-sided body. They can be up to 25 mm long, including their wings. Alates are dark brown with four pairs of equal-length brown wings.Immature termites (nymphs) can be 20mm long.
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