Termites (Isoptera) in the Azores: an overview of the four invasive species currently present in the archipelago

Abstract

In this contribution we summarize the current status of the known termites of the Azores(North Atlantic; 37-40° N, 25-31° W). Since 2000, four species of termites have been identified in the Azorean archipelago. These are spreading throughout the islands and becoming common structural and agricultural pests. Two termites of the Kalotermitidae family, Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) and Kalotermes flavicollis (Fabricius) are found on six and three of the islands, respectively. The other two species, the subterranean termites Reticulitermes grassei Clemént and R. flavipes (Kollar) of the Rhinotermitidae family are found only in confined areas of the cities of Horta (Faial) and Praia da Vitória (Terceira) respectively. Due to its location and weather conditions the Azorean archipelago is vulnerable to colonization by invasive species. The fact that there are four different species of termites in the Azores, all of them considered pests, is a matter of concern. Here we present a comparative description of these species, their known distribution in the archipelago, which control measures are being used against them, and what can be done in the future to eradicate and control these pests in the Azores.