Schedorhinotermes Termite (Schedorhinotermes sp.):
The Silent Nighttime Invader

Among the many hidden wood destroyers lurking underground, the Schedorhinotermes termite stands out as one of the most significant economic pests, second only to Coptotermes species. Quiet and relentless, these termites can severely damage wooden structures and trees without being noticed — until it’s too late.

Anatomy & Biology: Built for Defense and Destruction

• Common name: Schedorhinotermes termite
• Scientific name:Schedorhinotermes sp.
• Family: Termitidae
• Order: Blattodea

The head capsule features a front opening (fontanelle) that releases defensive fluid to protect against predators. The first thoracic segment (pronotum) is wide and shield-like.

This species has a monomorphic worker caste (all workers look similar) and dimorphic soldiers, divided into:

• Major soldiers: 5–7.5 mm long, with robust heads.
• Minor soldiers: 3–5 mm long, with narrower heads, slender mandibles, and elongated labrum extending nearly to the mandible tips.

Life Cycle: From Egg to Colony Defender

These termites undergo complete metamorphosis, including:

• Egg stage: Initial batch of 15–30 eggs, up to 1,000 eggs per cycle; eggs are small, round, and white, hatching in 2–4 weeks.
• Larval stage: White, resembling miniature adults but lacking fully developed wings.
• Adult stage: Workers can live up to 4 years, while queens may live 20 years or more.

Diet & Damage: Hidden Carvers of Wood

Habitat: Masters of Underground Living

These are subterranean termites, building nests underground, at tree bases, inside stumps, under homes, or in abandoned nests of other termite species. Their ability to remain hidden makes them particularly dangerous to homeowners and property managers.

Distribution

Found throughout tropical regions, they thrive in warm, humid climates, especially in Southeast Asia and surrounding areas.

Social Structure: Division of Labor at Its Finest

Schedorhinotermes termites are highly social insects, organized into a caste system:

• Workers: Forage, care for eggs and young, repair the nest, and feed other colony members.
• Soldiers: Protect the colony with large heads and powerful mandibles. Unable to feed themselves, they rely entirely on workers for food.
• Reproductives: The king and queen, responsible for reproduction. In some species, the queen’s abdomen enlarges dramatically to maximize egg production, while the king remains by her side for life.

Conclusion

The Schedorhinotermes termite may be small and secretive, but its impact on wood structures and trees can be massive. Early detection and integrated pest management are crucial to prevent these "silent invaders" from turning strong timbers into hollow ruins.