Identification: Microcerotermes biroi soldiers are mandibulate with large, singly serrate jaws
Host Species: Eucalyptus deglupta and other hosts of any age
Effects on Host: Microcerotermes biroi does not attack living trees but feeds on dead branches, introducing heart rot into living host
Type of Nest: arboreal nest
Economic Significance: severe pest
Signs of an Attack:
- water collects in hollows caused by Microcerotermes and results sooner or later in the introduction of fungal heart rot (Phellinus spp.)
- the outer surface of the nest is rough and shows a winding structure
head of a
Microcerotermes biroi soldier
(reproduced from CSIRO,
1991²)
