Kalotermitidae

Kalotermitidae
Cryptotermes brevis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Blattodea
Infraorder:	Isoptera
Family:	Kalotermitidae Banks, 1919
Genus
see text

The Kalotermitidae are a family of termites. Kalotermitidae include 22 genera and 419 species.

Genera

• Calcaritermes
• Cryptotermes
• Glyptotermes
• Incisitermes
• Kalotermes
• Marginitermes
• Neotermes
• Paraneotermes
• Procryptotermes
• Pterotermes

Biology

Kalotermitidae is primitive in its morphology, nesting behavior and social organization. Unlike other termite species these maintain their colonies strictly in wood, with no need to make contact with soil. Drywood termites have an adaptive mechanism for conserving water. Undigested matter in the alimentary canal passes through specialized rectal glands in the hindgut. These glands reabsorb water from the feces. They can tolerate dry conditions for long periods of time, receiving all of the moisture they need from the wood they live in and consume.

Eusocial like other termites, however these lack a true worker caste. Instead they have pseudergates, or the immature termites, which act as the worker caste.

Alates fly during warm, sunny days, when temperatures range from 26.7 to 37.8 °C (80 to 100 °F). They emerge from exit holes in wood and take off in all directions After landing they break off their wings They do this by holding their wingtips against a substrate and turning until the wing breaks off at the base Dealates find a mate and engage in courtship activity King and Queen mate for life

External links

• Description of an early Cretaceous termite (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) and its associated intestinal protozoa, with comments on their co-evolution.
• Drywood Termite (Kalotermitidae) Fact Sheet from the National Pest Management Association with information on habits, habitat and prevention