Formosan Subterranean Termite

Formosan Subterranean Termite

Coptotermes formosanus

Daily sighting probability <5% · Rare
at Shanghai

In 3 days ~10% in a week ~30%

6 Verified sightings at Shanghai
June Best month

About the Formosan Subterranean Termite

The Formosan termite (Coptotermes formosanus) is a species of termite local to southern China and introduced to Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa, where it gets its name), Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, and the continental United States.

The Formosan termite is often nicknamed the super-termite because of its destructive habits due to the large size of its colonies and its ability to consume wood at a rapid rate. Populations of these termites have become large enough to appear on New Orleans' weather radars.

A mature Formosan colony can consume as much as 13 ounces of wood a day (about 400 g) and can severely damage a structure in as little as three months. Formosan termites infest a wide variety of structures (including boats and high-rise condominiums) and can damage trees. In the United States, along with another species, Coptotermes gestroi, introduced from Southeast Asia, they are responsible for tremendous damage to property resulting in large treatment and repair costs.

Coptotermes formosanus is a social insect. Crops include sugarcane. Formosan termites... Wikipedia →

Global Distribution

Parks Where Found

# Park Country Daily sighting probability

More parks will be added in future updates.

Cities Where Found

# City Country Daily sighting probability
1 Shanghai 🇨🇳 China
<5%
2 Guangzhou 🇨🇳 China
<5%
3 Taipei 🇹🇼 Taiwan
<5%
4 Houston 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
5 Miami 🇺🇸 United States
<5%

Before you go

What are the chances of seeing a Formosan Subterranean Termite in Shanghai?

Rare

Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Formosan Subterranean Termite sighting in Shanghai on a given day, based on 6 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 166th most-seen of the 215 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 10%, and over a week to about 30%, if each day is a fresh chance.

When is the best time to see a Formosan Subterranean Termite in Shanghai?

May and June

In those months about 10% of wildlife watchers report a Formosan Subterranean Termite in Shanghai on a given day, against under 5% in July to April, the lowest months.

Is Shanghai the best place to see a Formosan Subterranean Termite?

Yes

Of the 5 cities where we can rate Formosan Subterranean Termite sightings, Shanghai has the highest daily chance: under 5%. Next come Guangzhou (China, under 5%) and Taipei (Taiwan, under 5%).

Where does the Formosan Subterranean Termite sighting chance come from?

GBIF citizen-science records

It is estimated from how often the Formosan Subterranean Termite is recorded against all the insects logged in Shanghai (6 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.

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