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ARID LAND TERMITE ARID LAND TERMITE ARID LAND TERMITE ARID LAND TERMITE

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
ARID LAND TERMITE ARID LAND TERMITE

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna- bead-like segments 6.Thorax DESERT SUBTERRANEAN 1.Antenna- bead-like segments 6.Thorax DESERT SUBTERRANEAN
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none TERMITE 2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none TERMITE
3.Head 8.Abdomen soldier 3.Head 8.Abdomen soldier
4.Legs- 6 9.Color-pale cream to yellow 10 4.Legs- 6 9.Color-pale cream to yellow 10
5.Wings-on alates, 2 pair 10.Other- Mandibles facing forward 8 5.Wings-on alates, 2 pair 10.Other- Mandibles facing forward 8
(wings longer than body) (wings longer than body)
Life Cycle Life Cycle
Winged reproductives will usually emerge during the summer months, Winged reproductives will usually emerge during the summer months,
July through September, especially after a monsoonal rain shower. 3 4 July through September, especially after a monsoonal rain shower. 3 4
Elevation does make a significant difference in the timing of swarming Heterotermes aureus Elevation does make a significant difference in the timing of swarming Heterotermes aureus
season, however. They mate during this time of year, and form new season, however. They mate during this time of year, and form new
colonies which can build up rapidly. Colony of up to 300,000 workers. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR colonies which can build up rapidly. Colony of up to 300,000 workers. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

DESERT SUBTERRANEAN / ARID LAND TERMITES Actual size 1/4” DESERT SUBTERRANEAN / ARID LAND TERMITES Actual size 1/4”
Heterotermes aureus Reticulitermes tibialis Heterotermes aureus Reticulitermes tibialis
One of the most common and most destructive termites in Arizona is the Desert Subter- One of the most common and most destructive termites in Arizona is the Desert Subter-
ranean termite. There are actually several types of desert and arid land termites, and all ranean termite. There are actually several types of desert and arid land termites, and all
will do considerable damage. They can attack a wide variety of desert plants, including will do considerable damage. They can attack a wide variety of desert plants, including
trees (both dead and alive), creosote and greasewood bushes, and the ribs of cactus. trees (both dead and alive), creosote and greasewood bushes, and the ribs of cactus.
They will also infest fence posts, utility poles, structural lumber, and even dead weeds They will also infest fence posts, utility poles, structural lumber, and even dead weeds
and grasses. They can be quite damaging when they enter structures, creating long and grasses. They can be quite damaging when they enter structures, creating long
slender tubes for workers and nymphs to move around. slender tubes for workers and nymphs to move around.

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