Reticulitermes cf chinensis  Care Sheet

Overview

Reticulitermes sp. (China) is a subterranean termite species that lives within wood and soil-based environments. Unlike dampwood termites, they rely on a balance of humidity and confined nesting conditions rather than large, open setups.

They are a sensitive and space-dependent species, and successful keeping depends heavily on correct enclosure size, humidity control, and high-quality wood.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)
• Minimum: Below 20°C slows growth significantly
• Maximum: Above 30°C may cause colony collapse
• Humidity:
  • Maintain substrate at 50–70% moisture
  • Should form a clump when squeezed, but break apart when released
  • No standing water (prevents mold)

This is a warm-adapted species, but overheating is dangerous.

Core Setup (Most Important Section)

The setup is simple, but must be done correctly:

Container

• Test tube setup (recommended for new colonies):
  • 10–20 mm diameter test tube
  • Damp cotton or toilet paper at one end
  • Slightly humid wood placed on top
  • Cotton or plastic cap to prevent escape
  • Suitable for colonies up to ~50 workers
• Expansion phase:
  • Keep colony in tube until dozens of workers are present
  • Then move to a small tub-and-tube setup
  • Add thin layer of humid substrate
  • Continue adding wood-filled tubes for expansion

Key principle: Smaller space is better than larger space.
Large enclosures cause stress and feeding refusal.

Substrate

• Thin layer of slightly humid substrate when upgrading setup
• Examples:
  • Wood particles
  • Decomposed wood material
• Keep it:
  • Lightly moist
  • Never wet or waterlogged

Wood (Essential)

• Provide fermented or partially decomposed wood:
  • Preferably from Fagaceae family
  • Also suitable: black locust, camphor wood
• Additional options:
  • Damp paper towel (supplement only)

Critical points:

• Wood is the primary food source
• Never rely on paper alone
• Wood must be slightly humid, not dry

Humidity Management

• Maintain consistent humidity inside the enclosure
• Achieved through:
  • Moist wood
  • Slightly damp substrate
  • Occasional light misting
• Do not:
  • Add water dishes
  • Allow water pooling

Moisture should come from the environment and materials, not free water.

Feeding

• No separate feeding routine required

They feed on:

• Fermented wood (primary)
• Damp paper (secondary)

Important:

• Mold is extremely dangerous
• Remove mold immediately when detected

Daily Care

• Escape prevention:
  • Only place ventilation holes in lids
  • Termites cannot climb smooth surfaces easily
  • They may slowly build tunnels along walls—remove early
• Cleaning:
  • Remove moldy or spoiled material weekly
  • Avoid disturbing the colony unnecessarily
• Hydration:
  • Light misting if needed
  • No standing water
• Observation:
  • Monitor:
    • Feeding activity
    • Egg-laying
    • Soldier numbers
  • Minimize opening the enclosure

Colony Behavior

• They remain mostly hidden within wood
• Limited visible activity
• Slow structural expansion through wood and substrate

Do not expect ant-like foraging behavior.

Colony Development

• Colonies start from:
  • A reproductive pair
  • Or workers forming reproductives

Growth is:

• Moderate to slow
• Stable under correct conditions

Maintenance

• Keep:
  • Wood moist
  • Substrate slightly humid
• Avoid:
  • Drying out
  • Overheating
  • Frequent disturbance