Conehead Termite

Nasutitermes corniger — the conehead termite — is one of the most extraordinary termite species and one of about 350 species in genus Nasutitermes (the 'nasute termites' — characterized by soldiers with the diagnostic conical head and chemical-defense nasus). The species is widespread across Central and South America (Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America) where it is one of the dominant arboreal termite species in tropical forest canopies. The species is also infamous as an INVASIVE PEST IN SOUTH FLORIDA — first detected in Dania Beach, Florida in 2001 (likely accidentally introduced via shipping container or similar pathway), and is the focus of ongoing USDA-APHIS and Florida Department of Agriculture eradication efforts. Workers and soldiers are 4-7 mm long, with the species' diagnostic features in SOLDIERS: SHARP CONICAL HEAD with a specialized 'NASUS' — a forward-projecting nose-like extension that is one of the most extraordinary soldier morphological adaptations in modern termites. The nasus contains specialized glands that produce a STICKY DEFENSIVE GLUE composed of complex terpene resins. Soldiers DELIVER THE GLUE through a small opening at the tip of the cone — by aiming the head at predator threats and ejecting a fine jet of sticky glue at the predator (typically ants attacking the termite colony). The glue immediately HARDENS upon exposure to air, immobilizing the predator and providing effective defense. The defensive behavior is dramatic — colonies under attack respond with hundreds of nasute soldiers swarming to the attack site and simultaneously ejecting glue at attackers, often forming a coordinated 'wall of glue' that repels even large predator swarms. The nasute defense is featured in essentially every modern textbook discussion of termite caste evolution and chemical defense. The conehead termite also CONSTRUCTS LARGE ARBOREAL NESTS on tree branches and trunks — DARK BROWN ROUNDED 'CARTON' NESTS made of chewed wood and termite saliva, ranging in size from 30 cm (small new colonies) to 1+ m (large mature colonies). The arboreal nests are connected to the colony's foraging trails by COVERED PROTECTED RUNWAYS that the termites construct on tree bark and on the ground — protecting foraging termites from desiccation and predator attack. The South Florida invasion (since 2001) is the first established invasion of an arboreal Nasutitermes termite in North America. The species is the focus of intensive USDA-APHIS and Florida Department of Agriculture eradication efforts — extensive surveying, nest destruction, perimeter quarantine, and public-education campaigns have aimed to prevent further spread. As of 2025, the invasion is restricted to the Dania Beach area but continues to require active management. The species is harmless to humans (no significant bite or sting) but is a major structural and ecological concern in south Florida.