Family Rhinotermitidae
Members of this family are classified as subterranean termites. have 4 tarsal segments, cerci with 2 segments, flat pronotums, and their fontanelle is present. Furthermore, members of this family have true worker castes.
Genus: Heterotermes
Several species of Heterotermes occur in Australia, but Heterotermes ferox is the most common one.
Identification
Soldiers can be 3.5–7.5 mm in size. They have rectangular heads with small, indistinct fontanelles. They have long curved mandibles, and their labrums do not have grooves. They are often confused with Microcerotermes, however, if you compare the two under a microscope, Microcerotermes spp. has finely serrated mandibles while Heterotermes spp. do not.
Comparison between Heterotermes ferox, Microcerotermes turneri, and Microcerotermes serratus
Heterotermes Specie
Heterotermes ferox
Distribution
Species are widely distributed in Australia but most are found in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Habitat and Behaviour
Species in this genus do not build mounds. They build small colonies near nests of other termite species. They often attack decking, flooring, posts, and fencing, where the timber has contact with the soil, and where some decay is present.
It is possible for the species of this genus to do major damage, but since they only form small colonies, it will take them a very long time. Therefore, they are not considered major pests and have little economic importance.