University of Florida entomologists have identified a new "hybrid" species of termites in South Florida. It's a hybrid of the Asian termite and the Formosan termite both of which are highly aggressive eaters. The Formosan termite is primarily found along the Gulf Coast although it has been found in the DFW area usually being transported in railroad ties used for landscaping.
From one of the researchers:
"This is worrisome, as the combination of genes between the two species
results in highly vigorous hybridized colonies that can develop twice as
fast as the two parental species," says Thomas Chouvenc, an assistant
researcher who works with Su. "The establishment of hybrid termite
populations is expected to result in dramatically increased damage to
structures in the near future."
So far, this species has only be found in South Florida but it's only a matter of time before it begins to be seen in other areas of the country.
From one of the researchers:
"This is worrisome, as the combination of genes between the two species
results in highly vigorous hybridized colonies that can develop twice as
fast as the two parental species," says Thomas Chouvenc, an assistant
researcher who works with Su. "The establishment of hybrid termite
populations is expected to result in dramatically increased damage to
structures in the near future."
So far, this species has only be found in South Florida but it's only a matter of time before it begins to be seen in other areas of the country.
