FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA) — A brand new study conducted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has confirmed the presence of hybrid termite colonies in South Florida.
Revealed within the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the research paperwork how two variations of the harmful and invasive species, the Formosan subterranean termites and Asian subterranean termites, should not solely coexisting however at the moment are crossbreeding.
In response to the findings, each termite species are liable to forming huge colonies and, as soon as mature, the winged termites will be despatched out to discover a mate and set up a brand new nest as king and queen.
Suspicions about their capability to breed started about 10 years in the past when Thomas Chouvenc, affiliate professor of city entomology on the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Analysis and Schooling Middle, stated that they noticed women and men from each species exhibiting interspecies courtship behaviors.
“This was surprising, and it raised crimson flags about the potential of hybrid populations forming within the discipline,” stated Chouvenc.
In 2021, Chouvenc reported his crew had begun accumulating winged termites within the Fort Lauderdale space that did not match the form or type of both termite species, prompting them to ramp up monitoring.
“At first, I couldn’t imagine it, as I hoped to by no means discover it,” stated Chouvenc. “Since then, we now have confirmed the presence of hybrid swarms yearly since 2021, together with in April 2025.”
Genetic testing confirmed the brand new species to be samples of hybrid termites, sharing half of their genes with every of the 2 species.
With this discovery, scientists warn that the repercussions of a brand new invasive termite species may prolong far past Florida, which is a hotspot for the unfold of invasive termites by way of non-public boats.
“This can be a Florida story now, however it possible received’t keep simply in Florida. Give it time,” Chauvenc warned.
The hybridization course of has possible been underway for a decade and is unimaginable to cease. Nonetheless, scientists say that understanding the biology of this new termite species, and its weaknesses, may assist enhance pest administration and foster higher options as time goes on.
