Coptotermes formosanus

Basic information
Scientific name	Coptotermes formosanus	Click to magnify
Common names	Formosan subterranean termite
Higher taxon	Rhinotermitidae, Isoptera
Natural range	Continental China, Hong Kong
Habitat	Subterranean and generally live underground with moisture.

Invasion information
Range in Japan	Pacific side of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu Islands, Ryukyu, Izu, and Chichijima Is. of Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands.
Origin	Ogasawara (Bonin) population may be introduced from southern North America (possibly Florida).
Date	Introduction to Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands was ca. 1955.
Route	Hitchhiking on various timbers, mulch, potted plants, boats, etc.
Impact	Damage on timbers, wooden furniture, some cultural property (e.g., wooden temples), books, etc.
Regulation in Japan	Introduction of this species and transport of timbers and trees from the area with this termite into Hahajima Island, Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands, are prohibited by a regulation of local government. Rhinotermitidae (except this species) is designated as a Quarantine Pest (the Plant Protection Law).
Introduced range in other countries	Taiwan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, mainland of USA, Guam, Midway

Reference

Notes

Ecol Soc Jpn (ed) (2002) Handbook of Alien Species in Japan. Chijinshokan, Tokyo (in Jpn)
ISSG. Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) (Accessed on 2012-5-09) http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/.
Pests and Disease Image Library (PaDIL) (Accessed on 2012-5-09) http://www.padil.gov.au/.
Plant Protection Station (2011) The Plant Protection Act. Quarantine Pest List. (Accessed on 2012-5-09) http://www.pps.go.jp/law_active/Notification/basis/5/245/html/245.html (in Jpn)
etc.

100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species, 100 of the Japan’s Worst Invasive Alien Species