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Wilton Simpson Commissioner
Termites associated with structures in Florida
Blackwing subterranean termite
(Amitermes wheeleri)
Identifying features
Very small, introduced from arid regions from S. California to southern Texas
Does not infest structures but forages underground for damp wood
Swarmer wing smoky black, body blackish
Soldier head is orange, each mandible with a single marginal tooth
Foraging tubes and workings lined with very dark fecal matter
Swarms in large numbers during daylight following summer thunderstorms giving the appearance of smoke rising from the soil
Foraging tubes under stepping stone
Dark lining inside of decaying wood
Foraging tubes on side of stepping stone
Foraging tube extracted from soil
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