An annotated checklist of termites (Isoptera) from Sri Lanka

Full text

AN ANNOTATED CHECKLIST
OF
TERMITES
(ISOPTERA)
OF SRI
LANKA
1.1.
HEMACHANDRA1
\ J. P.
EDIRISINGHE1,
W.
A. I. P.
KARUNARATNE1
AND
C.V.S. GUNATILLEKE3
'Department
of
Zoology, Faculty
of
Science, University
of
Peradeniya
Postgraduate Institute
of
Science, University
of
Peradeniya
3Emeritus Professor, Department
of
Botany, Faculty
of
Science, University
of
Peradeniya
NATIONAL
SCIENCE
FOUNDATION
National Science Foundation
47/5,
Maitland Place
Colombo 07
SRI LANKA
2012

NATIONAL
SCIENCE
FOUNDATION
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© National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka
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ISSN 1391-5010
ISBN 978-955-590-111-6
Published by
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Science Foundation of Sri Lanka
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Maitland Place
Colombo
07
SRI
LANKA
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: +94-11-2696771-3 Fax :
+94-11-
2694754
E-mail
: dir(5)nsf.ac.lk

FOREWORD
The absence of detailed information has curtailed the development of Scientists' and
layman's interest in the flora and funa of Sri Lanka. This drawback has in turn resulted in
a paucity of ecological studies in this island. In order to remedy this situation, the
UNESCO - Sri Lanka National Committee on Man & Biosphere functioning under the
aegis of the National Science Foundation (NSF) (formerly Natural Resources, Energy and
Science Authority, NARESA) has been sponsoring the publication of checklists of
species and handbooks to assist in the identification of Genera of various groups of plants
and animals. This text titled "An Annotated Checklist of Termites (Isoptera) of Sri
Lanka" is the 24th publication in the series.
I trust this publication would serve as a valuable reference guide. The NSF would
welcome any additions, corrections and suggestions for improvement.
I acknowledge with gratitude the services of the National Committee on Man and the
Biosphere and effort of Ms Anusha Amarasinghe (Additional Director - Scientific
Affairs, NSF) towards marking this publication a reality.
Prof.
Sirimali Fernando
Chairperson
National Science Foundation
May 2012

AN ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF TERMITES (ISOPTERA)
OF SRI LANKA
INTRODUCTION
Termites are an economically important group due to the extensive damage that they cause
to agricultural crops, plantation crops, forest plantations and timber in buildings. In natural
forests, especially in lowland tropical forests, termites are the dominant arthropod
decomposers, playing a central role in the recycling of nutrients. The impact of termites as
destructive pests on economic plants and as beneficial decomposers in natural ecosystems
is governed by the species composition of the local assemblages.
The first research on the termites of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), and particularly on their
taxonomy, dates back to the British period, starting with the work of Wasmann1, followed
by several others: Petch 2'3, Escherich 4,5, Bugnion 6'7'8'9, Bugnion & Ferriere 10, Bugnion &
Popoff 11,12, John 13'14, Beeson 15, in the early 1900s and thereafter by Ahmed 16'17. Later
studies on termites of Sri Lanka have focused on plantation crops, mainly tea 1819,20
3
coconut 21, rubber 22 and sugarcane 23. In addition, there are published lists of termite
species, complied by a few local and some visiting scientists like Wijeratne 24 and Sands 25
based on published and unpublished work. The species records of termites of Sri Lanka
are thus scattered in several overseas and local publications, spanning a period of over 100
years (1893 to 1988).
The present checklist of termites from Sri Lanka is a compilation of such published
authentic information scattered in the literature, dating back to 1893. Based on the
literature, a total of 64 species of termites in 27 genera and 4 families (Hodotermitidae,
Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae) are listed here, according to the currently
accepted phylogenetic classification of Engel et
al.
26.
Details of type material: type locality, repository and specimen series are indicated for each
species. Geographic distribution and pest status of species are indicated where available.
Names of plants from which termites have been recorded and published in the literature is
updated and included herein according to Senaratna 21. In the systematic list of termites the
updated plant name is included within parenthesis and is marked with an asterisk (*). The

ordering of higher taxonomic categories and the classification of termites used herein
follows the phylogenetic classification of Engel et
al.26
ABBREVIATIONS OF REPOSITORIES
AMNH - American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
NHML - Natural History Museum, London, UK
COM - Department of National Museums, Colombo, Sri Lanka
CUMZ - Cambridge University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge, UK
FR1 - Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, India
IARI - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
IEA - Institute di Entomologia Agraria, Portici, Italy
MCG - Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova/ Natural History Museum, Genoa,
Italy
MCZ - Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
NHMM - Natural History Museum, Maastricht, Holland
NHMW - Naturhistorisches Museum Wien/ Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria
NHRM - Naturhistorika Riksmuseet, Sektionen for Entomologi, Stockholm, Sweden/
Swedish Museum of Natural History
OUM - Oxford University Museum of Natural History, UK
RIB - Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
RMNH - Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Histoire, Leiden, Netherlands
USNM - United States National Museum, Washington, USA
ZIHS - Zootomiska Institute, Hogskolas, Sweden
ZMH - Zoologisches Museum Hamburg, Germany
ZMLU - Zoological Institute, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
ZSI - Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, India

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF TERMITE GENERA AND SPECIES
Order 1SOPTERA Brulle, 1832
Suborder EUISOPTERA Engel et al, 2009
I Family HODOTERMITIDAE Desneux, 1904b (sensu Engel et al.26)
The composition of this family has recently undergone significant restriction 26. At present
it is understood to contain only the living genera: Hodotermes, Anacanthotermes and
Microhodotermes.
1.
Genus ANACANTHOTERMES Jacobson, 1905
This genus is distributed in the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palaearctic regions.
1.
Anacanthotermes viarum (Konig, 1779)
Termes viarum Konig, "1779: 24.
Hodotermes (Anacanthotermes) koenigi Holmgren & Holmgren,29 1917: 138-139.
Anacanthotermes rugifrons Mathur & Sen-Sarma,30 1958:
233-241.
Type locality: India: Tamil Nadu.
Type data: Neotype ZSI soldier.
This species was recorded from Sri Lanka by Sands 25.
II Family KALOTERMITIDAE Froggat, 1897
These are dry wood termites as they nest primarily in wood, without any soil connection.
2.
Genus POSTELECTROTERMES Krishna, 1961
This genus is distributed in the Oriental (6 spp.), Ethiopian (lsp.), Palaearctic (2 spp.) and
Malagasy (5 spp.) regions31. A single species is recorded from Sri Lanka.
2.
Postelectrotermes militaris (Desneux, 1904 )
Calotermes militaris Desneux,32 1904: 146
Calotermes militaris unidentatus Kemner,33 1926: 381-382.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Bogawantalawa.
Type data: Syntypes RIB soldier and AMNH soldier, nymph.
This is a Ceylonese species 34 first observed by Green in 1890 '9. This species is found in
living tea bushes in the Central Province and in Ratnapura District35. It is a tea pest chiefly
at 3500-4500 ft hence, commonly known as the 'Up-country Tea Termite' 19. It is recorded
from plants such as, Albizia falcataria, Crotalaria micans, Erythrina subumbrans,
Grevillea robusta, Neolitsea cassia, Shorea zeylanica (Doona zeylanica*21) and Syzygium
gardneri24.

3.
Genus NEOTERMES Holmgren, 1911
This genus is widespread and generally cosmopolitan in distribution although it does not
occur in the Palaearctic region. Two species are recorded from Sri Lanka.
3.
Neotermes greeni (Desneux, 1908 )
Calotermes greeni Desneux,36 1908: 388-389.
Type locality: Sri Lanka (specific locality unknown)
Type data: Repository of syntype is unknown.
It is a Ceylonese species 31. This termite has a wide distribution, both in the low-country
and up-country up to 3500 ft and occurs very occasionally at higher elevations l9. It is
27
recorded from Albizia saman (Samanea saman*
),
Anacardium occidentale, Artocarpus
heterophyllus, Camellia sinensis, Cassia multijuga, Casuarina equisetifolia, Crotalaria
micans, Croton laccifer, Cupressus lindleyi, Elaeocarpus serratus, Erythrina subumbrans,
Ficus elastica, Grevillea robusta, Hevea brasiliensis, Ligustrum robustum, Litsea
27
glutinosa, Nephelium lappaceum, Shorea zeylanica (Doona zeylanica* ), Spondias
mombin and Toona ciliata 4.
4.
Neotermes kemneri Roonwal & Sen-Sarma, 1960
Neotermes kemneri Roonwal & Sen-Sarma,37 1960: 139, 142, 188-190, 267, 362-
363.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Gannoruwa (Peradeniya).
Type data: Holotype ZMLU soldier .
4.
Genus KALOTERMES Hagen, 1853
5.
Kalotermesjepsoni Kemner, 1932
Kalotermes jepsoni Kemner,38 1932: 146-149.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Maskeliya.
Type data: Lectotype ZMLU soldier & Paralectotype imago.
It is a Ceylonese species distributed at about 3000 - 4000 ft This species prefers dead and
decaying wood, but also attacks living wood 34. It is a pest of tea39'. It is also recorded from
Cupressus lindleyi, Shorea zeylanica {Doona zeylanica*21) and Syzygium gardneri24.

5. Genus GLYPTOTERMES Froggatt, 1897
6. Glyptotermes ceylonicus Holmgren, 1911
Calotermes {Glyptotermes) ceylonicus Holmgren, 40
1911:
187-189.
Calotermes (Glyptotermes) ceylonicus cylindricus Jepson,21
1931,
nomen nudum
[nom.
nud.\ described as var.; although Snyder placed this taxon in Glyptotermes
unclassified, the specimens with this name in AMNH are those identified and
published as ceylonicus by Kemner, so this nomen nudum should be considered a
synonym of ceylonicus
]
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Holotype NHMW imago.
This species is confined to Sri Lanka 41, distributed from 1500- 2000 ft, and is a pest of
decaying logs and dead branches of Hevea, Cocoa, Acacia etc. Colonies of this species live
in tree branches and at the foot of live trees 34'. It is recorded from Ficus fergusonii (Ficus
fergusoni*27) and Hevea brasiliensis 24.
7.
Glyptotermes dilatatus (Bugnion &
Popoff,
1910)
Calotermes dilatatus Bugnion &
Popoff,
121910:137-143.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Ambalangoda.
Type data: Whereabouts of syntypes unknown; soldier in NHMM may be syntype.
This species is confined to Sri Lanka and is widely distributed 3 \ It is an important pest of
tea in mid altitudes below 3000 ft and is commonly known as the 'Low-country Tea
Termite' 42. It is also a pest of Artocarpus heterophyllus, Coffea canephora, Delonix regia,
Erythrina subumbrans, Ficus amplissima, Hevea brasiliensis, Ligustrum robustum,
Magnolia grandiflora, Moringa oleifera, Syzygium aromaticum and Theobroma cacao 24.
8. Glyptotermes minutus Kemner, 1932
Glyptotermes minutus Kemner,38 1932: 149-150.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Lectotype ZMLU soldier.
This species is confined to Sri Lanka 41 and has been reported from dead wood of Albizia
27 24 31** 31
saman (Samanea saman* ) ' and living trees of Cupressus knightiana .
6. Genus BIFIDITERMES Krishna, 1961
9. Bifiditermes pintoi (Kemner, 1932)
Kalotermespintoi Kemner,38 1932: 143-146.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Thalawila near Puttalam.
Type data: Lectotype ZMLU soldier. /

7. Genus CRYPTOTERMES Banks, 1906
10.
Cryptotermes bengalensis (Snyder, 1934)
Calotermes {Cryptotermes) brachygnathus Jepson,21 1931: 592, nomen nudum,
[nom.
nud.\ cited as Kemner MS name by Pinto 43 ]
Calotermes {Cryptotermes) ceylonicus Jepson, 1931: 592, nomen nudum,
[nom.
mid.; cited as Kemner MS name by Pinto43 ]
Kalotermes {Cryptotermes) bengalensis Snyder, 44 1934: 4-6.
Cryptotermes angulatus, Pinto, 43 1941: 83, nomen nudum,
[nom.
nud.; cited as Kemner MS name]
Type locality: India: West Bengal.
Type data: Lectotype NH'ML soldier.
This is an introduced species and is found in dead and living Ficus, other trees and sawn
timber 34. It is a pest oi Diospyros insignis. Jepson 21 records this species from Puttalam,
Chilaw, Peradeniya and Kalutara in Sri Lanka.
11.
Cryptotermes ceylonicus Ranaweera, 1962
Cryptotermes ceylonicus Ranaweera, 19 1962: 89-103.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Hewahata.
Type data: Lectotype AMNH soldier.
This species is found in living trees, sawn timber and woodwork in tea factories l9. This
species was collected by N.A. Kemner and was partly described by him in an unpublished
manuscript which was then referred to by Pinto 3 who attributed the unpublished names to
Kemner, according to Ranaweera '9. However, Ranaweera 19 figured the soldier and gave
characters in a key, thereby making the name available in his paper.
12.
Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light, 1921
Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light, 1921:36-39.
Cryptotermes buitenzorgi Kemner, 46 1934: 45-47.
Type locality: Philippines: Manila.
Type data: Lectotype AMNH soldier.
This species is introduced to Sri Lanka.

13.
Cryptotermes domestic us (Haviland, 1898)
Calotermes domesticus Haviland & Sharp, 47 1896: 591-594, nomen nudum.
Calotermes domesticus Haviland,48 1898: 374.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) formosae Holmgren, 49 1912: 119-120.
Calotermes kotoensis Oshima,50 1912: 56-58.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) ogasawaraensis Oshima,51 1913: 274-275.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) dentatus Oshima, 521914: 2-5.
Cryptotermes campbelli Light,531924: 57-60.
Cryptotermes hermsi Kirby,541925:
437-441.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) buxtoni Hill,551926: 298-299.
Kalotermes (Cryptotermes) breviarticulatus Snyder,56 1926:11-12.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) gulosus Hill 57, 1927:
11-13.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) repentinus Hill 51, 1927: 13-15.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) torresi Hill,58 1927: 12.
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) lignarius Jepson, 211931:592, nomen nudum
[nom.
nud.; cited as Kemner MS name by Pinto 43]
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) tectus Jepson,21 1931:592, nomen nudum
[nom.
nud.; cited as Kemner MS name by Pinto 43]
Type locality: Malaysia: Borneo: Sarawak.
Type data: Lectotype CUMZ soldier.
This is mainly a house termite and is also found in cultivated trees and shrubs 34. The
presence of this species is indicated by small heaps of tiny egg-like pellets of excreta
which collect below the articles that contain the termites 35. Jepson 21 records this species
from Hakgala and Colombo in Sri Lanka.
14.
Cryptotermes dudleyi Banks, 1918
Calotermes (Cryptotermes) jacobsoni Holmgren,59 1913: 48. Name suppressed by
ICZN 2004 Opinion 2064 (Case 3181)
Cryptotermes dudleyi Banks,60 1918:
660-661.
Planocryptotermes nocens Light, 45 1921: 43-47.
Cryptotermes thompsonae Snyder, 61 1922: 16-18.
Cryptotermes (Planocryptotermes)primus Kemner, 38 1932: 151-153.
Cryptotermes (Planocryptotermes) javanicus Kemner,461934: 47-49.
Cryptotermes melloi Chhotani, 62 1970: 35 nomen nudum
[nom.
nud.; Introduced in synonymy with C. dudleyi and incorrectly credited to
Cherian & Margabandhu 63 but those authors only referred to it as " a new species
of Cryptotermes" in their publication]
Type locality: Indonesia: Java, Gunung Gedeh.
Type data: Syntypes NHRM imagoes, RNMH imago.
This is mainly a house termite and occurs at altitudes up to about 5700 ft but is most
common below 200 ft34. It is a serious pest of wooden structures in buildings and other
articles 41 and is the commonest and the most destructive dry wood termite in Sri Lanka 19.

15.
Cryptotermes perforans Kemner, 1932
Cryptotermesperforans Kemner,38 1932: 153-155.
Type locality: Sri Lanka; Colombo.
Type data: Lectotype ZMLU soldier.
This species is recorded only from Sri Lanka19 It is common below 610 m altitude and has
been recorded from Galaha and Thalawila. It is a pest of dressed timber and has also been
recorded from dead branches of Syzygium cumini 1. This species causes damage to timber
in buildings 39.
Infraorder NEOISOPTERA Engel
etal,
2009
Two families of Neoisopterans occur in Sri Lanka; Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae.
Ill Family RHINOTERMITIDAE Froggatt, 1897
Three of the nine Oriental rhinotermitid genera are endemic to Sri Lanka and it is likely
that the entire family is of Oriental origin 64, although this hypothesis has not been tested
cladistically.
Subfamily COPTOTERMIT1NAE Holmgren, 1910
This subfamily includes only the modern genus Coptotermes .
8. Genus COPTOTERMES Wasmann, 1896
16.
Coptotermes ceylonicus Holmgren, 1911
Coptotermes ceylonicus Holmgren, 65 1911: 192-193, 206, 210.
Type localities: Sri Lanka: Seenigoda Estate, Ebenda, Peradeniya, Heneratgoda.
Type data: Syntypes NHMW imago, soldier; AMNH imagoes, soldiers, workers;
FRI soldier; IEA imago, soldiers, worker; USNM (ex AMNH) imago, soldier.
This is a common wood-destroying termite in Sri Lanka. It damages logs, wooden
structures in buildings, and packing cases 41. It has been recorded as a pest of Hevea
22 19
brasiliensis and Camellia sinensis . It is recorded from Anacardium occidentale, Cocos
nucifera, Ficus fergusonii' (Ficus fergusoni*21), Gliricidia sepium, Grevillea robusta,
Madhuca longifolia, Tamarindus indica and Theobroma cacao 24.
17.
Coptotermes emersoni Ahmad, 1953
Coptotermes emersoni Ahmad, 17 1953: 37-38.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Colombo.
Type data: Holotype COM soldier.
This species was first recorded from an electrical wire casing in the Colombo Museum 17.

18.
Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, 1909
Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, 66 1909:
239-241.
Coptotermes formosae Holmgren,65 1911: 192.
Coptotermes hongkonensis Oshima,521914: 7-10.
67
Coptotermes intrudens Oshima, 1920: 262-264.
Coptotermes remotus Silvestri, 1928: 93-95.
Coptotermes eucalyptus Ping, 69 1984: 186-187.
Coptotermes xiaoliangensis Ping,69 1984: 184-185.
Coptotermes guangzhouensisYmg,70 1985: 317-318, 326-327.
Coptotermes heteromorphus Ping,70 1985: 320- 321, 327.
Coptotermes (Polycrinitermes) communis Xia & He,71 1986: 166- 167.
Coptotermes rectangularis Ping, Xu, Xu & Gong,72 1986: 157- 158.
Type localities: Taiwan (Formosa): Taipei (Taihoku).
Type data: syntype whereabouts unknown imago.
This is a highly variable species which has been described under numerous synonyms. The
species is introduced and attacks all kinds of wood, both natural and structural 34 but is
preferentially a moist wood termite 42.
19.
Coptotermes gaurii Roonwal & Krishna, 1955
Coptotermes exiguus Jepson,22 1930: 155, nomen nudum
[nom.
nud.; Kemner cited as author]
Coptotermes gaurii Roonwal & Krishna,73 1955: 143-152.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Merambekanda.
Type data: Holotype FRI soldier.
This species is also recorded from Avissawella, Galaha, Kiriella, Peradeniya and
Ratnapura. It is a serious pest of
tea,
Camellia sinensis 22.
20.
Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann, 1896)
Termes (Coptotermes) gestroi Wasmann,74 1896: 629.
Coptotermes havilandi Holmgren, 65 1911: 192.
Coptotermespacificus Light,75 1932: 84-86.
Coptotermes javanicus Kemner, 461934:
59-61.
Coptotermes monosetosus menglunensis Tsai, Huang & Li, 1985:.104-105.
Type locality: Burma: Bhamo.
Type data: Syntype AMNH and MCG soldiers.
Wijeratne recorded this species, misidentified as C. curvignathus , from Sri Lanka.

Subfamily HETEROTERMTINAE Froggatt, 1897
9. Genus HETEROTERMES Froggatt, 1897
The genus Heterotermes is distributed in all regions of the world except the Palearctic M,
although fossil species are known from that region.
21.
Heterotermes ceylonicus (Holmgren, 1911)
Leucotermes ceylonicus Holmgren 65 1911:
190-191.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Syntype ZIHS imagoes, soldiers, workers; AMNH imagoes, soldiers,
workers; USNM soldier, workers.
This species attacks tree stumps of Gravellia and other woods and woodwork in houses.
Sometimes, it can be found in mounds of Hypotermes obscuriceps 34. It is recorded from
Hevea brasiliensis24.
22.
Heterotermes indicola (Wasmann, 1902)
77
Leucotermes indicola Wasmann, 1902: 118-119.
Type locality: India: Bombay
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
The species causes damage to timber in buildings 19'39'.
Subfamily TERMITOGETONINAE Holmgren, 1910
This subfamily includes the single Oriental genus, Termitogeton, which contains only two
64
species .
10.
Genus TERMITOGETONDesneux, 1904
23.
Termitogeton umbilicatus (Hagen, 1858)
Termes umbilicatus Hagen,78 1858: 472.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Ramboda.
Type data: Syntype AMNH soldier, workers; MCZ imagoes, soldiers, workers;
USNM soldier.
This species is confined to Sri Lanka 41 where it is widely distributed up to about 4500 ft in
forests, plains, hills and plantations 34.

11
Subfamily RHINOTERMITFNAE Froggatt, 1897
11.
Genus PRORHMOTERMES Silvestri, 1909
24.
Prorhinotermes flavus (Bugnion &
Popoff,
1910)
Coptotermes flavus Bugnion & Popoff,111910: 117-120.
Prorhinotermes shiva Roonwal & Thakur,79 1963: 102-109.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Ambalangoda.
Type data: Syntype NHMM soldiers, pseudoworkers; AMNH imagoes, soldiers,
workers.
This species nests in dead trees 41 and was initially discovered by Dr. Bugnion in stems of
mangroves 35.
IV Family TERMITIDAE Latreille, 1802
Termitidae is the largest family of termites comprising over three-quarters of all known
termite species 64. Four subfamilies are recorded from Sri Lanka; Macrotermitinae,
Apicotermitinae, Nasutitermitinae and Termitinae.
Subfamily MACROTERMITINAE Kemner, 1934
This subfamily comprises the familiar fungus-growing genera of the Old World .
12.
Genus MACROTERMES Holmgren, 1909
25.
Macrotermes convulsionarius (Konig, 1779)
Termes convulsionarii Konig, 28 1779: 24-25.
Termes estherae Desneux, 3*1908: 390-394.
Type locality: India: Tamil: Nadu: Tanjore (Tranquebar).
Type data: Syntype AMNH major & minor soldiers and workers.
This is a fairly widely distributed termite in Sri Lanka 80. It is very large in size with
soldiers of two sizes 35. It is recorded from Hambantota, Sri Lanka.
13.
Genus ODONTOTERMES Holmgren, 1912
26.
Odontotermes assmuthi Holmgren, 1913
Odontotermes (Odontotermes) assmuthi Holmgren,81 1913: 112-113.
Type locality: India: Maharashtra.
Type data: Lectotype ZIHS soldier.
It is recorded from Cocos nucifera 24.

27.
Odontotermes ceylonicus (Wasmann, 1902)
Termes ceylonicus Wasmann,77 1902: 112-113.
Odontotermes meturensis Roonwal & Chhotani, 1959: 325-326.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Nalanda.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
This termite nests in the ground and builds no above ground structures. It attacks roots of
diseased or dying trees 35 and is also an important species infesting buildings 39' 41. It is a
secondary pest of tea 42 and a pest of Saccharum offtcinarum 23. This species has also been
recorded from Bandarawela and Bentota, Sri Lanka.
28.
Odontotermes escherichi Holmgren, 1911
Termes escherichi Holmgren,65 1911: 195-196.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Hantana.
Type data: Syntype ZIHS soldiers, workers; AMNH soldier, worker; USNM
soldier.
This is a small species occurring in dead tree stems and under decaying logs 35.
29.
Odontotermes feae (Wasmann, 1896)
Termes feae Wasmann,74 1896: 625-626.
Odontotermes indicus Thakur,83 1981: 70-75.
Type locality: Burma: Carin Cheba.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
It is a common earth dwelling termite that attacks dead wood and construction timber in
buildings34.
30.
Odontotermes globicola (Wasmann, 1902)
Microtermes globicola Wasmann,77 1902: 116-117.
Termes (Termes) dehraduni Snyder,84 1933: 6-7.
Odontotermes roonwali Bose,85 1975:
157-161.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Anuradhapura.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
This species is found under flower pots, logs etc.41. It is a small species constructing
chambers and small spherical combs in the nest walls of mound-building termites 35.

31.
Odontotermes horni (Wasmnan, 1902)
Termes horni Wasmann 77 1902: 111-112.
Termes peradeniyae Holmgren,65 1911:197.
Odontotermes horni hutsoni Kemner, 1926: 384-385.
Odontotermes horni minor Kemner,33 1926: 385-386.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Nalanda.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
This is a common termite in Sri Lanka 41 and occurs in decaying trees and in soils treated
with cattle manure. It nests in soil without conspicuous mounds 35 and is a pest of tea,
coconut 39 and sugarcane 23. This species is also recorded from Peradeniya, Rattota and
Avissawella, Sri Lanka33.
32.
Odontotermes koenigi (Desneux, 1906)
Termes koenigi Desneux,86 1906: 359-360.
Type locality: Sri Lanka (specific locality unknown)
Type data: Syntype NHMW imago.
33.
Odontotermespreliminaris (Holmgren, 1911)
Termes preliminaris Holmgren, 65 1911: 196.
Type Locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Syntype ZIHS imagoes; AMNH imagoes; USNM imago.
34.
Odontotermes redemanni (Wasmann, 1893)
Termes redemanni Wasmann, 1 1893: 239- 242.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
This species is distributed throughout the island 80. It is a common mound building termite
in Sri Lanka, which damages wood work of buildings 41 and is a pest of tea, coconut39 and
sugarcane 23.
35.
Odontotermes taprobanes (Walker, 1853)
Termes taprobanes Walker,87 1853: 522-523.
Type locality: Sri Lanka (specific locality unknown)
Type data: Lectotype NHML imago.
Holmgren identified specimens from Peradeniya and Koslanda as referable to this species,
but suggests that it is equivalent to O. horni. He also relegates his O. peradeniyae to O.
taprobanes 35.

14.
Genus HYPOTERMES Holmgren, 1913
36.
Hypotermes obscuriceps (Wasmann, 1902)
Termes obscuriceps Wasmann 77 1902: 113-115.
Odontotermes (Hypotermes) marshalli Kemner33 1926: 387-388.
Type localities: Sri Lanka: Trincomalee, Bandarawela.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
It is a common mound-building termite in Sri Lanka 41 and a tea pest39.
37.
Hypotermes winifredi (Ahmad, 1953)
Odontotermes (Hypotermes) winifredi Ahmad, 17 1953: 38-40.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Colombo.
Type data: Lectotype COM soldier.
15.
Genus MJCROTERMES Wasmann, 1902
38.
Microtermes macronotus Holmgren, 1913
Microtermes macronotus Holmgren, 60 1913: 145-146.
Type locality: Sri Lanka (specific locality unknown)
Type data: Syntype AMNH imago.
39.
Microtermes obesi Holmgren, 1912
Microtermes obesi Holmgren,88 1912: 787-788.
Microtermes anandi Holmgren,601913: 114.
Microtermes anandi curvignathus Holmgren,60 1913: 114
Type locality: India: Maharashtra, Khandala
Type data: Syntype ZIHS imagoes; FRI imago; IARI imago; AMNH imago;
USNM imago.
Subfamily APICOTERMITINAE Grasse & Noirot, 1954
16. Genus EURYTERMES Wasmann, 1902
This is an Oriental genus within which soldiers are rare 64'.
40.
Eurytermes ceylonicus Holmgren, 1913
Eurytermes ceylonicus Holmgren,60 1913: 222-223.
Eutermes ceyloniellus Kemner,33 1926: 389.
Type locality: Sri Lanka (specific locality unknown)
Type data: Syntypes ZIHS imago, worker; AMNH imagoes, workers, FRI imago,
worker.

17.
Genus SPECULITERMES Wasmann, 1902
The genus Speculitermes is restricted to Oriental and Neotropical regions 64.
41.
Speculitermes sinhalensis Roonwal & Sen-Sarma, 1960
Speculitermes cyclops sinhalensis Roonwal & Sen-Sarma,37 1960: 23-26
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Vavuniya.
Type data: Holotype FRI worker.
This species is found in semi-open forests, in damp earth below stones, logs and in narrow
subterranean galleries only few centimetres below the ground level34.
Subfamily NASUTITERMITINAE Hare, 1937
Nasutitermitinae is the largest subfamily of the order Isoptera .
18.
Genus NASUTITERMES Dudley, 1890
42.
Nasutitermes ceylonicus Holmgren, 1911
Eutermes ceylonicus Holmgren,6 1911:197-198.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Lectotype FRI soldier.
This species causes damage to timber in buildings and is a pest of coconut39 and tea 42.
43.
Nasutitermes horni (Wasmnan, 1902)
77
Eutermes inanis horni Wasmann, " 1902: 137.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Bandarawela.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
This species is found in forests and coconut plantations, but does not cause any serious
damage to trees 24.
44.
Nasutitermes lacustris (Bugnion, 1912)
Eutermes (Eutermes) greeni Holmgren,8 1912: 63, nomen nudum
Eutermes lacustris Bugnion,61912: 487-504.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Ambalangoda.
Type data: Syntype OUM soldiers
This species builds nests on branches of forest trees 34 and was also found in stems of
Anacardium, Hevea and Elaeocarpus 35.

45.
Nasutitermes oculatus Holmgren, 1911
Eutermes oculatus Holmgren, 6 1911: 200
Eutermes longicornis Holmgren,90 1913:283
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Syntype NHMW imagoes.
This termite was found in stems of Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus)35.
19.
Genus CEYLONITERMES Holmgren, 1911
46.
Ceylonitermes escherichi Holmgren, 1911
Eutermes escherichi Holmgren 65 1911: 199-200.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Syntypes AMNH, ZIHS, and FRI soldiers, workers; USNM soldier,
worker.
20.
Genus HOSPITALITERMES Holmgren, 1912
This genus feeds exclusively on lichens.
47.
Hospitalitermes monoceros (Koenig, 1779)
Termes monoceros atrum Koenig 28 1779: 28.
Type locality: Sri Lanka. (Specific locality unknown)
Type data: Syntypes whereabouts unknown soldiers.
This species is confined to Sri Lanka34'41. It is recorded as a pest of Camellia sinensis 19. It
has also been recorded from Cassia multijuga and Ficus religiosa24. It is found throughout
the island, up to about 2000 ft35.
21.
Genus TRINERVITERMES Holmgren, 1912
48.
Trinervitermes biformis (Wasmann, 1902 )
Eutermes biformis Wasmann 77 1902: 133-135.
Eutermes heimi Wasmann 77 1902: 135-137.
Nasutitermes (Trinervitermes) longinotus Snyder, 44 1934: 14-15.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Bandarawela.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
49.
Trinervitermes rubidus (Hagan, 1859)
Termes rubidus Hngm 911859: 199
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Colombo.
Type data: Syntypes AMNH major soldiers; MCZ major & minor soldiers,
workers; FRI major soldier; RIB major soldier.

22.
Genus CEYLONITERMELLUS Emerson, 1960
This genus is endemic to Sri Lanka 92.
50.
Ceylonitermellus hantanae (Holmgren, 1911)
Eutermes hantanae Holmgren,65 1911: 198.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Hantana.
Type data: Syntype ZIHS, IEA and AMNH soldiers and workers.
51.
Ceylonitermellus kotuae Bugnion, 1914
Eutermes kotuae Bugnion,8 1914: 193-200.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Galle-Kotuwa.
Type data: Syntype whereabouts unknown imagoes, soldiers, workers.
Subfamily TERMITINAE Latreille, 1802
23.
Genus SYNHAMITERMES Holmgren, 1912
Synhamitermes is strictly an Oriental genus 54.
52.
Synhamitermes ceylonicus Holmgren, 1913
Hamitermes (Synhamitermes) ceylonicus Holmgren, 60 1913: 225.
Type locality: Sri Lanka (specific locality unknown)
Type data: Syntype ZHIS soldier and worker.
This is not a common species 34.
53.
Synhamitermes colombensis Roonwal & Sen-Sarma, 1960
Synhamitermes colombensis Roonwal & Sen-Sarma,37 1960: 1-7.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Colombo.
Type data: Holotype FRI soldier.
This species is known only from the type locality 92.

24.
Genus MICROCEROTERMES Silvestri, 1901
Microcerotermes is distributed in all regions except the Nearctic 64.
54.
Microcerotermes bugnioni Holmgren, 1911
Microcerotermes bugnioni Holmgren,65 1911: 203-204.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Seenigoda Estate near Ambalangoda.
Type data: Syntypes ZIHS soldiers, workers.
This species is common under bark of coconut and other trees 34. It is a minute species,
35
found under logs and in hollow stems of coconut palms etc. .
55.
Microcerotermes cylindriceps Wasmann, 1902
Microcerotermes cylindriceps Wasmann,77 1902: 121-122
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Pankulum.
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
56.
Microcerotermes greeni Holmgren, 1913
Microcerotermes greeni Holmgren, 90 1913: 284.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Ambalangoda.
CJy
Type data: Syntypes ZIHS soldiers, workers; AMNH soldier, workers; FRI worker.
It is a secondary pest of tea 42.
57.
Microcerotermes heimi Wasmann, 1902
Microcerotermes heimi Wasmann,77 1902:
120-121.
Type locality: India: Maharashtra, Ahmednagar District, Wallon
Type data: Lectotype NHMM soldier.
This termite occurs in forests, in dead stumps and under bark of trees 34.
58.
Microcerotermes minor Holmgren, 1914
Microcerotermes heimi minor Holmgren, 93 1914: 285.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Maha Iluppalama.
Type data: Syntypes ZIHS soldiers, workers.
25.
Genus ANGULITERMES Sjostedt, 1924
59.
Angulitermes ceylonicus (Holmgren, 1914)
Mirotermes (Mirotermes) ceylonicus Holmgren 93 1914: 276.
Termes lighti Snyder,94 1949: 183.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Maha Iluppallama.
Type data: Syntypes ZIHS soldier, workers.

26.
Genus DICUSPIDITERMES Krishna, 1965
60.
Dicuspiditermes hutsoni (Kemner, 1926)
Capritermes hutsoni Kemner33 1926: 391-392.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Palmadulla.
Type data: Syntype NHML soldiers, workers; AMNH soldier, worker; ZMLU
soldiers, workers.
61.
Dicuspiditermes incola (Wasmann, 1893)
Eutermes incola Wasmann, 1 1893: 242.
Capritermes longicornis Wasmann 77 1902: 126-128.
Dicuspiditermespername Thakur & Chatterjee,95 1971:
77-81.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Colombo.
Type data: Holotype NHMM imago.
62.
Dicuspiditermes nemorosus (Haviland, 1898)
Termes nemorosus Haviland, 48 1898: 413- 414
Capritermes medius Holmgren,60 1913: 252.
Capritermes minor Holmgren, 60 1913: 252.
Dicuspiditermes paramakhamensis Thapa,96 1982: 226-229.
Type locality: Malaysia: Borneo, Sarawak.
Type data: Lectotype CUMZ soldier.
77
Wasmann recorded this species from Bandarawela, Sri Lanka.
27.
Genus PERICAPRITERMES Silvestri, 1914
63.
Pericapritermes ceylonicus (Holmgren, 1911)
Capritermes ceylonicus Holmgren,65 1911: 204-205.
Eutermes perparvus Holmgren, 65 1911: 201.
Capritermes distinctus Holmgren,60 1913: 246.
Type locality: Sri Lanka: Peradeniya.
Type data: Syntypes ZIHS, AMNH, USNM, ZMH and FRI imagoes, soldiers,
workers, queen.
This species is widely distributed in Sri Lanka 41.
64.
Pericapritermes speciosus (Haviland, 1898)
Termes speciosus Haviland, 47 1898: 413.
Type locality: Malaysia: Borneo, Sarawak.
Type data: Syntypes CUMZ, AMNH and FRI imagoes, soldiers, workers.
Green 35 recoded this species from Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.

Acknowledgements
This checklist forms a part of a larger ongoing study where the first author was funded by a
Research Assistantship from the University of Peradeniya during her appointment as the
Research Assistant in the Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya. An
anonymous overseas reviewer who is an expert in termite taxonomy is gratefully
acknowledged for making critical corrections on the manuscript.

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LIST
OF
TAXA RECORDED FROM
SRI
LANKA
Family
-
Subfamily
No.
of
Genera
No.
of
Species
HODOTERMITIDAE
KALOTERMITIDAE
RHINOTERMITIDAE
1
6
4
1
14
9
Coptotermitinae
1 5
Heterotermitinae
1 2
Termitogetoninae
1 1
Rhinotermitinae
TERMITIDAE
1
16 1
40
Macrotermitinae
4 15
Apicotermitinae
2 2
Nasutitermitinae
5 10
Termitinae
5 13
Total
27 64

INDEX TO THE GENERA
(The numbers refers to serial numbers given to genera in the systematic list of termites)
Anacanthotermes Jacobson 1 Macrotermes Holmgren 12
Angulitermes Sjostedt 25 Microcerotermes Silvestri 24
Bifiditermes Krishna 6 Microtermes Wasmann 15
Ceylonitermellus Emerson 22 Nasutitermes Dudley 18
Ceylonitermes Holmgren 19 Neotermes Holmgren 3
Coptotermes Wasmann 8 Odontotermes Holmgren 13
Cryptotermes Banks 7 Pericapritermes Silvestri 27
Dicuspiditermes Krishna 26 Postelectrotermes Krishna 2
Eurytermes Wasmann 16 Prorhinotermes Silvestri 11
Glyptotermes Froggatt 5 Speculitermes Wasmann 17
Heterotermes Froggatt 9 Synhamitermes Holmgren 23
Hospitalitermes Holmgren 20 Termitogeton Desneux 10
Hypotermes Holmgren 14 Trinervitermes Holmgren 21
Kalotermes Hagan 4