NEW PARISH RECORDS OF COPTOTERMES FORMOSANUS (ISOPTERA: RHINOTERMITIDAE) IN LOUISIANA

Abstract

The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), is 1 of 9 termite species currently present in Louisiana (Messenger 2002). The FST is a destructive, introduced pest species indigenous to Southeast China. Its transport from the Pacific theater following WWII resulted in the establishment of this economically important pest in multiple port cities, including New Orleans and Lake Charles, LA (Spink 1967). Since its original introduction, the distribution of the FST has increased both within the state of Louisiana and throughout the southern United States (Messenger et al. 2002; Woodson et al. 2001). Populations of FST have been reported to be established in Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, and Tennessee (Su & Tamashiro 1987; Sponsler et al. 1988; Scheffrahn et al. 2001; Woodson et al. 2001; Messenger 2003). Although some increase in range is expected via seasonal nuptial flights (Messenger & Mullins 2005), human transport of infested materials has been implicated as the primary cause of its rapid increase in distribution (La Fage 1987; Scheffrahn et al. 2001; Messenger et al. 2002; Jenkins et al. 2002). In areas where it is established the FST is capable of supplanting native subterranean termites as the primary structural pest species (La Fage 1987). Formosan subterranean termites also routinely attack standing live trees and can cause extensive damage resulting in the weakening of the tree potentially to the point of failure (Osbrink et al. 1999). Because this insect poses an economic threat to wooden structures and live trees, it is imperative to document its increasing distribution throughout Louisiana and other southeastern states.