File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite PrimaryGeographicalDistribution.jpg

2022-05-16T17:08:35Z

Lisakusi:

Coptotermes formosanus

2022-05-16T17:08:04Z

Lisakusi: /* Geographical Range/Distribution */

== Overview/Introduction ==

{{Taxonomy
| common_name = Formosan Subterranean Termite
| kingdom = Animalia
| phylum = Arthropoda
| class = Insecta
| order = Blattodea
| family = Rhino termitidae
| genus = Coptotermes
| species = Coptotermes formosanus
}}

Coptotermes formosanus, or more commonly known as formosan subterranenan [[termites]], are considered to be a destructive type of termite insect species[1]. These [[insects]], which are small termite [[organisms]], were first found and are native to Taiwan and southern China[1].

=== Detailed Taxonomic Hierarchy Classification ===
: '''Kingdom:''' [[Animalia]]
:: '''Subkingdom:''' [[Bilateria]]
::: '''Infrakingdom:''' [[Protostomia]]
:::: '''Superphylum:''' [[Ecdysozoa]]
::::: '''Phylum:''' [[Arthropoda]]
:::::: '''Subphylum:''' [[Hexapoda]]
::::::: '''Class:''' [[Insecta]]
:::::::: '''Subclass:''' [[Pterygota]]
::::::::: '''Infraclass:''' [[Neoptera]]
:::::::::: '''Superorder:''' [[Polyneoptera]]
::::::::::: '''Order:''' [[Blattodea]]
:::::::::::: '''Superfamily:''' [[Blattoidea]]
::::::::::::: '''Family:''' [[Rhino termitidae]]
:::::::::::::: '''Subfamily:''' [[Coptotermitinae]]
::::::::::::::: '''Genus:''' [[Coptotermes]]
:::::::::::::::: '''Species:''' [[Coptotermes formosanus]]
[2].

== Physical Characteristics Description ==
[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Worker.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Coptotermes formosanus worker under magnification.]]

[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Soldier.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Coptotermes formosanus soldiers zoomed in.]]

[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Swarmer-Reproductive.jpg|300px|thumb|center|Coptotermes formosanus swarmer/reproductive zoomed in.]]

Coptotermes formosanus (formosan subterranean [[termites]]) have specific roles and functions which are specialized within their colonies[3]. The typical specialized roles within the colonies include workers, soldiers, and swarmers/reproductives[3].

The coptotermes formosanus workers are particularly challenging to identify and accurately differentiate from other types of termite species[3]. These coptotermes formosanus worker termites are usually entirely an off-white color, with antennas and general anatomy relatively similar to ants[3]. The coptotermes formosanus soldiers usually are seen as having an oval-shaped head with orange-brown color, an off-white body, and mandibles that are black in color[3]. Additionally, the soldiers contain a fontanel gland that releases a small quantity of a defensive liquid when they are disturbed, and this gland is found on the top of their head[3]. The coptotermes formosanus swarmers/reproductives are identified by their light-yellow hue, wings, as well as a body length of approximately 12 to 15 millimeters[3]. Out of all the three colony castes (worker, soldier, and swarmer/reproductive), reproductives are the only castes of coptotermes formosanus that is found to have wings[3]. The swarmers/reproductives have a total of four wings on their body, and these wings contain very visible dark veins in the direction toward the cranial end, and all of them are translucent with small hairs[3].

== Geographical Range/Distribution ==

[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_NativeOrigination.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Coptotermes formosanus native, original geogrpahical location.]]

Coptotermes formosanus (formosan subterranean termite) is found to be native to China within the Palearchtic region, and it has spread to a multitude of other regions in the world[3]. In the 1600s, coptotermes formosanus was first reported to have been introduced to Japan from 14 southern China provinces[3]. Later it was discovered to have spread significantly into Hawaii within the late 1800s[3]. In 1950, they were found to have spread to Africa[3]. In 1960, they were introduced within the United States, and as of 2010 they distributed themselves primarily within the southeastern portion of the United States[3]. Most of the coptotermes formosanus residing in the United States are found in much of Florida, Lousiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and a smaller spread in Tennessee[3]. Additionally, they also reside in small areas of Hawaii and in San Diego County of California[3].

== Habitat ==
Coptotermes formosanus reside in nests which are located underground[3]. Their nests are made up of a specific material called carton, which they create[3]. The finalized nest habitat can look as if it is a rocky structure as a result of the look and texture of the carton material[3]. These nests created by them can also be very large, in which it houses and shelters hundreds of thousands of termites within a singular colony[3]. Additionally, the carton material that is used to generate their nests is made up of [[soil]], chewed up wood/plant materials, and their own saliva and feces[3]. Formosan subterranean termites have a tendency to live in wet and moist type environments, and can potentially be seen in forest type environments, in addition to more urbanized areas[3].

Furthermore, in the case where moisture and humidity levels are not ideal belowground, they might create nests above the ground in designated areas where the moisture and humidity levels are considered high[3]. Some more common places where these termites are able to locate higher moisture include various man-made type structures, such as on boats, porches, flat rooftops, or gutters[3]. As long as their is a place that has a food source for them and high levels of adequate moisture/humidity, then these termites will make an attempt to start successfully inhabiting that area[3].

Coptotermes formosanus has even been observed having the ability to survive within either dead or alive tree trunks, in addition to buildings and home walls[3]. If this termite species can find the right food source and a high humidity environment, they have a very high likelihood of successful survival and thriving[3].

==Reproduction==
Only the coptotermes formosanus swarmers (alates) have the ability to reproduce[3]. The coptotermes formosanus alates have wings, in which they utilize these wings in order to fly in big swarms right outside the nest area[3]. They have a tendency to swarm most often at dusk during the months of May and June until July and August[3]. After the termites have traveled a small distance via flight, they then proceed to fall towards the ground as well as shed off their wings[3]. After the wing shedding process has culminated, they separate off into mating pairs, and each individual mating pair looks for a small place to mate in[3]. The small areas these mating pairs typically mate in usually include a small opening in wood or a small opening in the ground[3]. Every individual mating pair will then start to establish a brand new termite colony (if they survive), and will eventually be the king and queen of their new colony[3].

Additionally, the king and queen of the colony will keep mating multiple times throughout their lifetimes, and the queens of the termite colonies will have the ability reproduce throughout the year[3]. The mating and eggs fertilization processes occur quickly, only taking a few days to complete[3]. After the mating and fertilization processes are both finished, the queen termite is prepared to start laying her eggs[3].

As a result of coptotermes formosanus being a eusocial insect species, a large amount of parental care is provided and present within coptotermes formosanus colonies[3]. After the first eggs hatching within a newly established colony, the king and queen of the colony take charge of the growth and safety of their young termites until they reach adulthood and full maturity[3]. When the colony becomes larger, coptotermes formosanus workers have to take brood care of larvae, and this type of care that these workers provide is critical and essential in order for the brood to survive to adulthood[3].

== Lifespan ==
The queen of the colony of formosan subterranean termites have the longest lifespan longevity out of all the other castes (worker, soldier, and swarmer/reproductive)[3]. The queen of a colony can have a lifespan longevity of up to approximately 15 years[3]. In contrast, other individual [[termites]] in other castes, such as workers, soldiers, and swarmers/reproductives, usually live for a much shorter time frame, making them have a more limited lifespan duration[3].

== Diet ==
This organism usually consumes wood for their food[3]. When they are not eating wood, they could be eating other foods found within their environment and habitats that have cellulose in them, like cardboard or paper[3]. Bacteria live in their bodies within the digestive system in order to assist in the break down and absorption of the cellulose compound in order for these [[termites]] to digest their food with less effort[3].

== Destruction/Damage to Human Environments ==
One individual formosan subterranean termite does not feed on a larger quantity of wood when compared to a single native subterranean termite[1]. However, due to formosan subterranean [[termites]] having a large population, one formosan subterranean termite colony has the potential to create more structural damages to made-made structures, such as buildings or homes, within a quicker time frame[1]. In serious termite infestations, formosan subterranean [[termites]] almost completely hollow out wooden surfaces, only leaving behind a paper-thin weak surface, and a hollow wood surface can also be identified by a blistered or peeled appearance on the wood surface[1].

[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Infestation.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Wood damage caused by an infestation of Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termites)]]

== References ==
[1] Featured Creatures Entomology & Nematology. (n.d.). . https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/termites/formosan_termite.htm#top

[2] ITIS - Report: Coptotermes formosanus. (n.d.). . https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=650469#null.

[3] Relph, A. E. K. M. R. (n.d.). Coptotermes formosanus. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Coptotermes_formosanus/.

[4] formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus ). 2016, January 23. . http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0014115.

[5] Phd, M. M. 2013, May 23. [[Insects]] in the City: Identifying Formosan termites.

2022-05-11T20:28:58Z

Lisakusi:

== Introduction ==
Coptotermes formosanus, or more commonly known as the formosan subterranenan termite, are considered to be a destructive type of termite insect species[1]. These small termite [[organisms]] were first found and are native to Taiwan and southern China[1].

== Complete Taxonomic Hierarchy Classification ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:85%;"|
|-
|
! scope="col" | Kingdom
! scope="col" | Subkingdom
! scope="col" | Infrakingdom
! scope="col" | Superphylum
! scope="col" | Phylum
! scope="col" | Subphylum
! scope="col" | Class
! scope="col" | Subclass
! scope="col" | Infraclass
! scope="col" | Superorder
! scope="col" | Order
! scope="col" | Superfamily
! scope="col" | Family
! scope="col" | Subfamily
! scope="col" | Genus
! scope="col" | Species
|-
! scope="row" | Classification
| [[Animalia]]
| [[Bilateria]]
| [[Protostomia]]
| [[Ecdysozoa]]
| [[Arthropoda]]
| [[Hexapoda]]
| [[Insecta]]
| [[Pterygota]]
| [[Neoptera]]
| [[Polyneoptera]]
| [[Blattodea]]
| [[Blatroidea]]
| [[Rhino termitidae]]
| [[Coptotermitinae]]
| [[Coptotermes]]
| [[Coptotermes formosanus]]
|} [2].

== Physical Characteristics Description ==
[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Worker.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Coptotermes formosanus worker under magnification.]]

[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Soldier.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Coptotermes formosanus soldiers zoomed in.]]

[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Swarmer-Reproductive.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Coptotermes formosanus swarmer/reproductive zoomed in.]]

Coptotermes formosanus (formosan subterranean [[termites]]) have specific roles and functions which are specialized within their colonies[3]. The typical specialized roles within the colonies include workers, soldiers, and swarmers/reproductives[3].

The coptotermes formosanus workers are particularly challenging to identify and accurately differentiate from other types of termite species[3]. These coptotermes formosanus worker termites are usually entirely an off-white color, with antennas and general anatomy relatively similar to ants[3]. The coptotermes formosanus soldiers usually are seen as having an oval-shaped head with orange-brown color, an off-white body, and mandibles that are black in color[3]. Additionally, the soldiers contain a fontanel gland that releases a small quantity of a defensive liquid when they are disturbed, and this gland is found on the top of their head[3]. The coptotermes formosanus swarmers/reproductives are identified by their light-yellow hue, wings, as well as a body length of approximately 12 to 15 millimeters[3]. Out of all the three colony castes (worker, soldier, and swarmer/reproductive), reproductives are the only castes of comptotermes formosanus that is found to have wings[3]. The swarmers/reproductives have a total of four wings on their body, and these wings contain very visible dark veins in the direction toward the cranial end, and all of them are translucent with small hairs[3].

== Geographical Range/Distribution ==
Coptotermes formosanus (formosan subterranean termite) is found to be native to China within the Palearchtic region, and it has spread to a multitude of other regions in the world[3]. In the 1600s, coptotermes formosanus was first reported to have been introduced to Japan from 14 southern China provinces[3]. Later it was discovered to have spread significantly into Hawaii within the late 1800s[3]. In 1950, they were found to have spread to Africa[3]. In 1960, they were introduced within the United States, and as of 2010 they distributed themselves primarily within the southeastern portion of the United States[3]. Most of the coptotermes formosanus residing in the United States are found in much of Florida, Lousiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and a smaller spread in Tennessee[3]. Additionally, they also reside in small areas of Hawaii and in San Diego County of California[3].

== Habitat ==
Coptotermes formosanus reside in nests which are located underground[3]. Their nests are made up of a specific material called carton, which is created by themselves[3]. The finalized nest habitat can look as if it is a rocky structure as a result of the look and texture of the carton material[3]. These nests created by them can also be very large, in which it houses and shelters hundreds of thousands of termites within a singular colony[3]. Additionally, the carton material that is used to generate their nests is made up of [[soil]], chewed up wood/plant materials, and their own saliva and feces[3]. Formosan subterranean termites have a tendency to live in wet and moist type environments, and can potentially be seen in forest type environments, in addition to more urbanized areas[3].

Furthermore, in the case where moisture and humidity levels are not ideal belowground, they might create nests above the ground in designated areas where the moisture and humidity levels are considered high[3]. Some more common places where these termites are able to locate higher moisture include various man-made type structures, such as on boats, porches, flat rooftops, or gutters[3]. As long as their is a place that has a food source for them a high levels of adequate moisture/humidity, then these termites will make an attempt to start successfully inhabiting that area[3].

Coptotermes formosanus has even been observed having the ability to survive within either dead or alive tree trunks, in addition to buildings and home walls[3]. If this termite species can find the right food source and a high humidity environment, they have a very high likelihood of successful survival and thriving[3].

== Lifespan ==
The queen of the colony of formosan subterranean termites have the longest lifespan longevity out of all the other castes (worker, soldier, and swarmer/reproductive)[3]. The queen of a colony can have a lifespan longevity of up to approximately 15 years[3]. In contrast, other individual [[termites]] in other castes, such as workers, soldiers, and swarmers/reproductives, usually live for a much shorter time frame, making them have a more limited lifespan duration[3].

== Diet ==
This organism usually consumes wood for their food[3]. When they are not eating wood, they could be eating other foods found within their environment and habitats that have cellulose in them, like cardboard or paper[3]. Bacteria live in their bodies within the digestive system in order to assist in the break down and absorption of the cellulose compound in order for these [[termites]] to digest their food with less effort[3].

== Consequences to Human Environments ==
One individual formosan subterranean termite does not feed on a larger quantity of wood when compared to a single native subterranean termite[1]. However, due to formosan subterranean [[termites]] having a large population, one formosan subterranean termite colony has the potential to create more structural damages to made-made structures, such as buildings or homes, within a quicker time frame[1]. In serious termite infestations, formosan subterranean [[termites]] almost completely hollow out wooden surfaces, only leaving behind a paper-thin weak surface, and a hollow wood surface can also be identified by if it looks blistered or peeled[1].

[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiFormosanSubterraneanTermite_Infestation.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Wood damage caused by an infestation of Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termites)]]

== References ==
[1] Featured Creatures Entomology & Nematology. (n.d.). . https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/termites/formosan_termite.htm#top

[2] ITIS - Report: Coptotermes formosanus. (n.d.). . https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=650469#null.

[3] Relph, A. E. K. M. R. (n.d.). Coptotermes formosanus. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Coptotermes_formosanus/.

[4] formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus ). 2016, January 23. . http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0014115.

[5] Phd, M. M. 2013, May 23. [[Insects]] in the City: Identifying Formosan termites.

Coptotermes formosanus

2022-05-11T20:22:25Z

Bythotrephes longimanus

2022-04-23T01:33:09Z

Lisakusi:

== Introduction ==
Bythotrephes longimanus is commonly referred to as the spiny waterflea, and they are a part of the Diplostracas[1]. They are also a part of the Cercopagididae family of [[organisms]]. Spiny water fleas are most commonly spotted in abundance between the late-summer and fall months[2].

== Taxonomic Classification ==
: '''Kingdom:''' Animalia
:: '''Subkingdom:''' Bilateria
::: '''Infrakingdom:''' Protostomia
:::: '''Superphylum:''' Ecdysozoa
::::: '''Phylum:''' Arthropoda
:::::: '''Subphylum:''' Crustacea
::::::: '''Class:''' Branchiopoda
:::::::: '''Order:''' Diplostraca
::::::::: '''Suborder:''' Cladocera
:::::::::: '''Infraorder:''' Onychopoda
::::::::::: '''Family:''' Cercopagididae
:::::::::::: '''Genus:''' Bythotrephes
::::::::::::: '''Species:''' Bythotrephes longimanus

== Appearance-Defining Characteristics ==
[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikispinywaterflea_magnified.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Bythotrephes longimanus under magnification.]]

[[File:EVS463--[[File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikiSpinyWaterFlea.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Bythotrephes longimanus zoomed in under microscope.]]

Bythotrephes longimanus (spiny waterfleas) are extremely small, and are considered microscopic organisms, otherwise also known as zooplankton. They are frequently found on fishing line in clusters that looks like gelatin with a wet cotton-type of texture[3]. They are also known for having large and powerful mandibles, and a very long, spiny tail which accounts for approximately 70% of its total length[4]. Fully developed adult-sized spiny water fleas appearance- defining characteristics include an opaque color, are found to be between 1/4" and 5/8" in length, have one long tail with 1 to 4 spines, and 1 large black eyespot[3].

== Native Habitat Locations ==
Bythotrephes longimanus (spiny waterfleas) originally came from and lived in the continents of Asia and Europe[3]. One of their native locations that they originated from is in a water body called Lake Ladoga, which is close to the Baltic Sea in Russia[4].

== Location Spread Beyond Native Habitat Locations ==
Even though this species did not originally live in North America, it accidentally became introduced into the United States through the Great Lakes by the discharging of cargo ballast water which was found to be contaminated, leading to some of the first discoveries of spiny water fleas found in Lake Ontario in the year 1982[3]. By 1987, they were found to have spread out beyond Lake Ontario into Lake Superior[3].

== Environmental/Biological Conditions ==
This organism is found primarily close to where other zooplankton reside, in upper water columns within both small and large temperate lake water bodies, and they have the ability to withstand brackish water type environments[2]. The frequency of Bythotrephes and their population density is primarily based upon the water temperatures and the salt concentration found in these small or large temperate lakes, due to Bythotrephes organisms only having the ability to live in environmental conditions where both temperate lake water temperatures are between 4°C and 30°C and the salinity level is between 0.04 to 8.0 parts per thousand (ppt)[2]. However, the ideal environmental conditions in which they tend to thrive are when lake temperatures are between 10°C and 24°C, and salinity levels of 0.04 to 0.4 ppt[2].

== Diet ==
This organism is a predatory type of zooplankton[3]. During the daytime hours, they move into water bodies that have a greater depth in order to be able to hide effectively from other predators[3]. They eat other types of zooplankton, and during the night they go to shallow water to hunt down their food[3]. One of the specific types of organisms they eat are Daphnia, a type of smaller zooplankton[4]. In addition to eating other types of zooplankton, it also competes with other larger organisms, such as fish, for food[4].

== Reproduction ==
Throughout the spring and summer months, spiny waterfleas go through a reproductive process in which they reproduce via cloning[4]. When the lake temperatures become colder or there is less food (such as in the autumn months), they will reproduce through the process of sexual reproduction to produce embryos, in which they are able to generate tough eggs that are unsusceptible and impervious to both drying out and freezing[4]. After these eggs are generated by the females, the females will carry both their eggs and newly-born offspring on their backs[4].

== Ecological Effects and Consequences ==
The most important types of zooplankton are known by the genus name Daphnia[4]. The Daphnia genus makes up approximately 100 freshwater species, and these very small organisms are very essential and important when it comes to overall lake health[4]. Some of the critical ecological contributions that Daphnia provide include serving as a big food source for fish, and consuming floating algae[4]. They graze and consume on the surface algae through their constant leg movement, which creates very tiny currents which cause the algae to be moved across the surface of the water, pulling itself into the Daphnia's tiny maws[4]. Through their grazing and consumption of surface algae, they are capable of maintaining healthy, non-excessive levels of algae in the lake water body, which in turn means Daphnia is helping to keep the water body ecosystem healthy and balanced[4].

However, due to the spiny waterflea, (their strong and invasive predator), the population densities of these essential Daphnia zooplankton have been greatly declined and destroyed[4]. This destruction caused by the invasive spiny water flea species is making the overall Daphnia population decrease in Lake Superior, in addition to almost every other water body within the region and vicinity of the Great Lakes[4]. Additionally, recent studies have discovered that in various lake water bodies located in Minnesota, the overall populations of native plankton have decreased by up to 60% due to the spiny waterflea[4]. This significant amount of decline of plankton has also led to impacts of other aquatic species, such as yellow perch, walleye, and other native game fish species[4]. Fish species that reside in lakes heavily invaded and impacted by the spiny waterflea have a tendency to grow and develop at a slower rate throughout the first year of their lives especially because young fish eat plankton, and this also makes them more susceptible to being consumed by predators[4]. Fish cannot simply just eat spiny water flea plankton because the presence of its long, barbed and spiny tail easily gets stuck the fishs' throats[4].

== References ==
[1] ITIS - Report: Bythotrephes longimanus. (n.d.). . https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=684624#null.

[2] USGS Spiny Waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus) Species Profile. (n.d.). . https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=162#:~:text=Ecology%3A%20Bythotrephes%20longimanus%20is%20found,in%20late%20summer%20and%20autumn.

[3] Spiny waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus). (n.d.). . https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/spinywaterflea/index.html.

[4] This ferocious water flea is mauling the Great Lakes. 2020, December 2. . https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/invasive-water-fleas-decimating-plankton-in-great-lakes.

File:EVS463--SoilEcologyWikispinywaterflea magnified.jpg

2022-04-23T01:21:17Z

Lisakusi: