ABSTRACT

West Indian drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis, is an invasive pest of particular importance due to its global distribution, cryptic lifecycle, potential to spread and economic impact. The species has been under a Queensland Government-funded prevention and control program since its detection in the 1960s, but this program ceased in 2021. It is now increasingly important to develop alternative methods for managing this pest and slowing its spread. This review synthesises information on C. brevis, its commercial impact, and the unique factors contributing to its global spread. We highlight areas where information on the species is lacking and identify corresponding research needed to fill these gaps. Results from these future research efforts may help improve the management of this termite in terms of improved detection and spot-control of colonies and creating a better understanding of at-risk timber species.

摘要

西印度干木白蚁Cryptotermes brevis是一种特别重要的入侵害虫，因为它具有全球分布、神秘的生命周期、传播潜力和经济影响。自 1960 年代发现该物种以来，该物种一直在昆士兰州政府资助的预防和控制计划中，但该计划于 2021 年停止。现在开发替代方法来管理这种害虫并减缓其传播变得越来越重要。这篇综述综合了关于C. brevis的信息、其商业影响以及促成其全球传播的独特因素。我们强调了缺乏物种信息的领域，并确定了填补这些空白所需的相应研究。这些未来研究工作的结果可能有助于改进对白蚁的管理，包括改进对蚁群的检测和现场控制，以及更好地了解濒危木材品种。