About Florida Drywood Termite
A small drywood termite native to the southeastern United States. Soldiers have distinctive calcar-like projections on their tibiae.
Did You Know?
Its tibial spurs (calcars) give the genus its name and are used in defense alongside its mandibles.
How to Identify Florida Drywood Termite
Florida Drywood Termite (Calcaritermes nearcticus) belongs to the order Blattodea, family Kalotermitidae. Adults typically measure Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm.
Florida Drywood Termite Habitat
Florida Drywood Termite is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Southeastern United States (Florida, coastal Southeast). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Florida Drywood Termite Diet and Feeding
Florida Drywood Termite feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
Where Is Florida Drywood Termite Found?
Florida Drywood Termite can be found in Southeastern United States (Florida, coastal Southeast), where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Florida Drywood Termite can be found
Is Florida Drywood Termite Dangerous?
Florida Drywood Termite is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Florida Drywood Termite Role in Nature
Florida Drywood Termite is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Drywood Termite
What does Florida Drywood Termite look like?
The Florida Drywood Termite typically measures Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm.
Where is Florida Drywood Termite found?
The Florida Drywood Termite is found in Southeastern United States (Florida, coastal Southeast) and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Florida Drywood Termite eat?
The Florida Drywood Termite feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber.
Is Florida Drywood Termite dangerous to humans?
The Florida Drywood Termite is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Florida Drywood Termite endangered?
The Florida Drywood Termite is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Florida Drywood Termite?
Its tibial spurs (calcars) give the genus its name and are used in defense alongside its mandibles.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Florida Drywood Termite (Calcaritermes nearcticus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/florida-drywood-termite
MLA:
"Florida Drywood Termite." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/florida-drywood-termite.