Incisitermes schwarzi
This record describes Incisitermes schwarzi (species). Recorded family: Kalotermitidae. Recorded order: Blattodea.
Identification and Appearance
Alates are among the largest in Florida, in similar size with Neotermes . They differ from the placement of the median veins, which is closer to the radial in Neotermes and midway between the radial and cubitus for I. schwarzi . The former also has a much more stout body shape. Around 90% of the soldiers [found in Floridian colonies] can be categorized into two soldier types; small-headed soldiers and large-headed soldiers. Small-headed soldiers: sides of head convex, head capsule is about as long as wide Large-headed soldiers: sides of head parallel, head capsule is about 1.5x longer than wide Like certain other basal termites, the majority of the colony population molts into alates. Flight season is irregular without a well defined period and likely not heavily influenced by specific environmental cues along with an increase of soldier production during this period.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)
- Superfamily
- Blattoidea
- Family
- Kalotermitidae (Drywood and Dampwood Termites)
- Genus
- Incisitermes (Drywood Termites)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
I. schwarzi in Florida nests in dead standing wood, such as dead mangroves. It poses no economic significance with infestations in Florida being rare to non-existent. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
Distributed throughout the West Indies, Northern South America and Yucatan, Mexico. In Florida it is found in coastal mangroves and the Everglades hammocks of Southern Florida, as well as native woods of the coastal southeast.
Seasonal Activity
In Florida, I. schwarzi appears to fly throughout the warmer months, from May to August, with May and June being peak swarming period.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In Florida, typically one colony is found per log, the majority being headed by primary reproductives. Small headed soldiers appear before large headed soldiers, and are gradually replaced by them during the colony’s lifespan. Around 30% - 50% of the colony molts into alates per year. Single colonies do not expand and are limited to the log they are founded in.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Incisitermes schwarzi Banks, 1919
About Cockroaches and Termites: the wider group
Order-level background for Blattodea, the group containing Incisitermes schwarzi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Blattodea includes ~4,600 cockroach species and ~3,000 termite species. Only about 30 cockroach species are associated with human habitats - less than 1% of all species.
Ecological role of the group
Termites contribute ~40% of soil arthropod biomass globally, far exceeding ants at ~10%. Cockroaches are ancient insects dating back 320 million years and are critical decomposers in tropical forest ecosystems, recycling leaf litter and dead wood.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Termites cause $5-30 billion in damage to structures in the U.S. annually. They damage approximately 600,000 American homes each year, with average repair costs of $3,000-$17,000. A subterranean termite colony can consume one pound of wood per day.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, Orkin, Today's Homeowner, PNAS soil biomass study. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Incisitermes schwarzi
What is Incisitermes schwarzi?
Incisitermes schwarzi is a species in the family Kalotermitidae, within the order Blattodea.
How big is Incisitermes schwarzi?
Alates: ~15 with wings
How do you identify Incisitermes schwarzi?
Alates are among the largest in Florida, in similar size with Neotermes . They differ from the placement of the median veins, which is closer to the radial in Neotermes and midway between the radial and cubitus for I. schwarzi . The former also has a much more stout body shape. Around 90% of the soldiers [found in Floridian colonies] can be categorized into two soldier types; small-headed soldiers and large-headed soldiers. Small-headed soldiers: sides of head convex, head capsule is about as long as wide Large-headed soldiers: sides of head parallel, head capsule is about 1.5x longer than wide
Where is Incisitermes schwarzi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | I. schwarzi in Florida nests in dead standing wood, such as dead mangroves. It poses no economic significance with infestations in Florida being rare to non-existent. ( 3 ) |
| Range | Distributed throughout the West Indies, Northern South America and Yucatan, Mexico. In Florida it is found in coastal mangroves and the Everglades hammocks of Southern Florida, as well as native woods of the coastal southeast. |
When is Incisitermes schwarzi active?
Incisitermes schwarzi: seasonal activity - In Florida, I. schwarzi appears to fly throughout the warmer months, from May to August, with May and June being peak swarming period..
What is the life cycle of a Incisitermes schwarzi?
In Florida, typically one colony is found per log, the majority being headed by primary reproductives. Small headed soldiers appear before large headed soldiers, and are gradually replaced by them during the colony’s lifespan. Around 30% - 50% of the colony molts into alates per year. Single colonies do not expand and are limited to the log they are founded in.