Coptotermes is a genus of termites in the family Rhinotermitidae and is thought to have originated in southeastern Asia. There are about seventy-one species, many of which are economically destructive pests.
Coptotermes acinaciformis are native to Australia, and the most destructive termites in Australia are found locally infesting homes in and around Ipswich. Coptotermes acinaciformis are social insects and build a communal nest either in the root crown or heartwood of a tree or underground.
From the nest, a network of galleries is built through the soil to enable the workers to forage in the surrounding area without emerging on the ground’s surface.
Coptotermes acinaciformis do not build mounds in our part of the world. They tend to nest in tree stumps, living trees, walls and under patios in homes. This termite can cause substantial damage to trees and the wooden parts of buildings.
