Analysis of drywood termite DNA shows that the wood-dwelling insects have historically crossed the oceans at least 40 times, likely on driftwood rafting trips
life
June 1, 2022
Incisitermes schwarzi, a species of termite in the Kalotermitidae family
ales bucek
A group of termites are habitual seafarers, new research suggests. The wood-eating insects have crossed the world’s oceans at least 40 times in the last ten million years. The termites probably accidentally set sail and flown into pieces of wood that washed out to sea.
Drywood termites make up the second largest termite family, the Kalotermitidae, with more than 400 species found throughout the tropics and subtropics. Unlike many other termite groups, members of drywood termite colonies do not forage among wood…
