Diet

• Heterotermitinae is a subfamily of subterranean termites whose members primarily feed on cellulose-rich plant material.

• Workers consume dead wood, roots, fallen branches, stumps and other woody debris, with microorganisms in their digestive systems helping break down cellulose.

• Some species can also exploit manufactured wood, paper and other cellulose-containing materials associated with buildings.

Range

• Heterotermitinae has a predominantly tropical distribution, with representatives occurring in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and other warm regions.

• Heterotermitinae occurs in the Zihuatanejo region, where the warm tropical climate and availability of woody material provide suitable conditions for subterranean termites.

Habitat

• Heterotermitinae members are primarily associated with soil and dead or living woody material.

• Species of Heterotermes commonly establish large colonies in or beneath wood, with subterranean nests connected to feeding sites by covered galleries or sheltered foraging trails.

• In Zihuatanejo, suitable habitat includes tropical dry forest, woodland, forest edges, gardens and areas containing buried roots, fallen branches and decaying stumps.

• Colonies may also enter buildings where wooden structural materials provide accessible cellulose, particularly when the structure is in contact with or close to the soil.

• Their largely concealed subterranean lifestyle means colonies may be present without obvious evidence above ground until feeding galleries or damaged wood are discovered.

Description

• Heterotermitinae comprises small to medium-sized subterranean termites with soft-bodied workers and more heavily armoured soldiers.

• Soldiers of Heterotermes have an elongated, roughly rectangular head with long, slender, curved mandibles and relatively small fontanelles.

• Workers are generally pale, soft-bodied and wingless, with relatively inconspicuous external features.

• Winged reproductive adults, or alates, have two pairs of similarly sized wings that are shed after mating and colony establishment.

• Colonies are highly social and contain specialized castes, including workers, soldiers and reproductive individuals.