Genus Cryptotermes - Powderpost Termites

Planocryptotermes Light, 1921

Cryptotermes Banks, 1906

71 species worldwide(1)

3 species in our region, 1 unique to Hawaii.

Small, body length typically around 5mm, give or take

Like all Kalotermitidae, the pronotum tends to be large and is roughly equal in width to the head.

Cryptotermes soldiers possess highly modified, dark plug shaped heads for use in phragmosis. They can be distinguished from Calcaritermes soldiers by the wrinkled concave anterior. The heads of Calcaritermes are smooth in contrast.

SEE: Calcaritermes

Found on all continents except Antarctica with patchy distribution. Subtropical/tropical genus. Some members of the genera (e.g C. brevis, C. cyanocephalis, C. domesticus) are pest species establishing themselves via human activity.

Although the specific moisture requirements for each species may differ, Cryptotermes generally tend to nest in sound dry wood.

Swarming season varies from species to species.

Cryptotermes like most drywoods feed on the wood they nest in.

Typical to members of Kalotermitidae and lower termites, Cryptotermes do not possess true workers and labour is carried out via juveniles (aka pseudergates). However in C. secundus it has been demonstrated that pseudergates do not partake in the rearing of their younger siblings, i.e the larvae are self sufficient.(2)