"Termite Species Mix in Florida, Reproducing at Breakneck Rate"

"Two of the most destructive termites species in the world are mating in South Florida, producing hybrid colonies that are growing at twice the normal rate of other termites, scientists reported on Wednesday.

Asian and Formosan termites together are responsible for much of the estimated $40 billion in annual termite damage worldwide, and their hybrid offspring could increase the loss significantly, said Nan-Yao Su, the University of Florida entomology professor who led the study.

'It's not good news,' said Su, whose research was published on Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE. 'It means within a shorter period of time homeowners will see the damage.'

Su attributes the development to climate change, noting that Asian and Formosan termites used to live in separate territories and swarm at different times. By 2013, both the territory and swarming season of each species had grown to overlap, he said."

Barbara Liston reports for Reuters March 26, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"'Super-Termite' Could Be Even More Destructive Than Parent Species" (NPR)