{"product_id":"reticulitermes-sp-china","title":"Reticulitermes cf chinensis","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"8tdkos\" data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"202\"\u003eReticulitermes \u003cspan\u003ecf chinensis\u003c\/span\u003e  Care Sheet\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"rzkdgm\" data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"215\"\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"rzkdgm\" data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"215\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"456\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"245\"\u003eReticulitermes sp. (China)\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"618\"\u003eThey are a \u003cstrong data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"510\"\u003esensitive and space-dependent species\u003c\/strong\u003e, and successful keeping depends heavily on correct enclosure size, humidity control, and high-quality wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"623\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1whlol2\" data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"650\"\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"979\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14efaal\" data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"690\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"670\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25–28°C (77–82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"t87inv\" data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"745\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"693\" data-end=\"705\"\u003eMinimum:\u003c\/strong\u003e Below 20°C slows growth significantly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"15dpfxu\" data-start=\"746\" data-end=\"799\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"748\" data-end=\"760\"\u003eMaximum:\u003c\/strong\u003e Above 30°C may cause colony collapse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l4v43v\" data-start=\"801\" data-end=\"979\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"816\"\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"821\" data-end=\"979\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16nllgf\" data-start=\"821\" data-end=\"866\"\u003eMaintain substrate at 50–70% moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"pufr1y\" data-start=\"869\" data-end=\"937\"\u003eShould form a clump when squeezed, but break apart when released\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1o7jqna\" data-start=\"940\" data-end=\"979\"\u003eNo standing water (prevents mold)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1015\"\u003ewarm-adapted species\u003c\/strong\u003e, but overheating is dangerous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1051\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1r13qq\" data-start=\"1053\" data-end=\"1091\"\u003eCore Setup (Most Important Section)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1141\"\u003eThe setup is simple, but must be done correctly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"5k8aht\" data-start=\"1143\" data-end=\"1156\"\u003eContainer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1652\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5qoamu\" data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1422\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1211\"\u003eTest tube setup (recommended for new colonies):\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1422\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"pex827\" data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1245\"\u003e10–20 mm diameter test tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"o0l27b\" data-start=\"1248\" data-end=\"1290\"\u003eDamp cotton or toilet paper at one end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"8cu1t7\" data-start=\"1293\" data-end=\"1330\"\u003eSlightly humid wood placed on top\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ir2oa6\" data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1376\"\u003eCotton or plastic cap to prevent escape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"194dyxo\" data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1422\"\u003eSuitable for colonies up to ~50 workers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1opk6id\" data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1652\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1446\"\u003eExpansion phase:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1652\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"c6oens\" data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003eKeep colony in tube until dozens of workers are present\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ww9krm\" data-start=\"1511\" data-end=\"1558\"\u003eThen move to a small tub-and-tube setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l6d5r8\" data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1598\"\u003eAdd thin layer of humid substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1k8332n\" data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1652\"\u003eContinue adding wood-filled tubes for expansion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1672\"\u003eKey principle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smaller space is better than larger space.\u003cbr data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"1718\"\u003eLarge enclosures cause stress and feeding refusal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1770\" data-end=\"1773\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"it5fwn\" data-start=\"1775\" data-end=\"1788\"\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1984\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1o0i2pn\" data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1857\"\u003eThin layer of slightly humid substrate when upgrading setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1rrjsp4\" data-start=\"1858\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003eExamples:\n\u003cul data-start=\"1872\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fba41o\" data-start=\"1872\" data-end=\"1890\"\u003eWood particles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1m4rr99\" data-start=\"1893\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003eDecomposed wood material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wbido5\" data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1984\"\u003eKeep it:\n\u003cul data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1984\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"13xlt8v\" data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1953\"\u003eLightly moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"vi8n9q\" data-start=\"1956\" data-end=\"1984\"\u003eNever wet or waterlogged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1986\" data-end=\"1989\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"vr6yga\" data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2011\"\u003eWood (Essential)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2013\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1jcrpmn\" data-start=\"2013\" data-end=\"2154\"\u003eProvide \u003cstrong data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2065\"\u003efermented or partially decomposed wood\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cul data-start=\"2069\" data-end=\"2154\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"8zwnjf\" data-start=\"2069\" data-end=\"2106\"\u003ePreferably from \u003cstrong data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2106\"\u003eFagaceae family\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1bhezqq\" data-start=\"2109\" data-end=\"2154\"\u003eAlso suitable: black locust, camphor wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ut158f\" data-start=\"2156\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003eAdditional options:\n\u003cul data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"js9jwr\" data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003eDamp paper towel (supplement only)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2238\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2238\"\u003eCritical points:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2239\" data-end=\"2347\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"na0ma3\" data-start=\"2239\" data-end=\"2276\"\u003eWood is the primary food source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10j65i6\" data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2306\"\u003eNever rely on paper alone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"15rtxrk\" data-start=\"2307\" data-end=\"2347\"\u003eWood must be slightly humid, not dry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2352\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1vg36of\" data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2376\"\u003eHumidity Management\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2595\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"tq8xg7\" data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2433\"\u003eMaintain consistent humidity inside the enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"nfwtj8\" data-start=\"2434\" data-end=\"2531\"\u003eAchieved through:\n\u003cul data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2531\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"d3rlcn\" data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2470\"\u003eMoist wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fou0y1\" data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2500\"\u003eSlightly damp substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ww867h\" data-start=\"2503\" data-end=\"2531\"\u003eOccasional light misting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ol13m0\" data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2595\"\u003eDo \u003cstrong data-start=\"2538\" data-end=\"2545\"\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cul data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2595\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1qrjgpo\" data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2569\"\u003eAdd water dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pdksvs\" data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2595\"\u003eAllow water pooling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2669\"\u003eMoisture should come from the environment and materials, not free water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2674\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1alyfdz\" data-start=\"2676\" data-end=\"2686\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2728\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19sk27t\" data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2728\"\u003eNo separate feeding routine required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2730\" data-end=\"2743\"\u003eThey feed on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2744\" data-end=\"2795\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"42t3ys\" data-start=\"2744\" data-end=\"2770\"\u003eFermented wood (primary)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3ukvjx\" data-start=\"2771\" data-end=\"2795\"\u003eDamp paper (secondary)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"2811\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"2811\"\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2812\" data-end=\"2885\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1b2e5rd\" data-start=\"2812\" data-end=\"2843\"\u003eMold is extremely dangerous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"12ho6c2\" data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"2885\"\u003eRemove mold immediately when detected\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2890\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"lix7d5\" data-start=\"2892\" data-end=\"2905\"\u003eDaily Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2907\" data-end=\"3407\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wh51n\" data-start=\"2907\" data-end=\"3086\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2931\"\u003eEscape prevention:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2934\" data-end=\"3086\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1n3zvq6\" data-start=\"2934\" data-end=\"2974\"\u003eOnly place ventilation holes in lids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5sv0ia\" data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"3025\"\u003eTermites cannot climb smooth surfaces easily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1t4s4xp\" data-start=\"3028\" data-end=\"3086\"\u003eThey may slowly build tunnels along walls—remove early\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3ggdjr\" data-start=\"3088\" data-end=\"3197\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3090\" data-end=\"3103\"\u003eCleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3197\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"cvl2bu\" data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3149\"\u003eRemove moldy or spoiled material weekly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ir84ne\" data-start=\"3152\" data-end=\"3197\"\u003eAvoid disturbing the colony unnecessarily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ghwhd5\" data-start=\"3199\" data-end=\"3269\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3215\"\u003eHydration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3218\" data-end=\"3269\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17bg8s1\" data-start=\"3218\" data-end=\"3245\"\u003eLight misting if needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1plda4w\" data-start=\"3248\" data-end=\"3269\"\u003eNo standing water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1crsctj\" data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3407\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3289\"\u003eObservation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3407\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"86xoj4\" data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3370\"\u003eMonitor:\n\u003cul data-start=\"3307\" data-end=\"3370\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"pbc4nb\" data-start=\"3307\" data-end=\"3327\"\u003eFeeding activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1avogqc\" data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3346\"\u003eEgg-laying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1p7sb2q\" data-start=\"3351\" data-end=\"3370\"\u003eSoldier numbers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"yyacbr\" data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"3407\"\u003eMinimize opening the enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3409\" data-end=\"3412\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1xv6msx\" data-start=\"3414\" data-end=\"3432\"\u003eColony Behavior\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3434\" data-end=\"3561\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17gqjo8\" data-start=\"3434\" data-end=\"3477\"\u003eThey remain mostly hidden within wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"dt41r3\" data-start=\"3478\" data-end=\"3504\"\u003eLimited visible activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wrh5xl\" data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3561\"\u003eSlow structural expansion through wood and substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3563\" data-end=\"3604\"\u003eDo not expect ant-like foraging behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3606\" data-end=\"3609\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"sti8em\" data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3632\"\u003eColony Development\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"3721\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"w7ovfw\" data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"3721\"\u003eColonies start from:\n\u003cul data-start=\"3659\" data-end=\"3721\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"pirm85\" data-start=\"3659\" data-end=\"3682\"\u003eA reproductive pair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5wsy43\" data-start=\"3685\" data-end=\"3721\"\u003eOr workers forming reproductives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3723\" data-end=\"3733\"\u003eGrowth is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3734\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"66djbp\" data-start=\"3734\" data-end=\"3756\"\u003eModerate to slow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19inwib\" data-start=\"3757\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003eStable under correct conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3797\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"s27ty0\" data-start=\"3799\" data-end=\"3813\"\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3815\" data-end=\"3942\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1tj5pbm\" data-start=\"3815\" data-end=\"3870\"\u003eKeep:\n\u003cul data-start=\"3825\" data-end=\"3870\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1epre8n\" data-start=\"3825\" data-end=\"3839\"\u003eWood moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"kdfj3g\" data-start=\"3842\" data-end=\"3870\"\u003eSubstrate slightly humid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"xvsnzv\" data-start=\"3872\" data-end=\"3942\"\u003eAvoid:\n\u003cul data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3942\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"2p6ybt\" data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3897\"\u003eDrying out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"y9xhni\" data-start=\"3900\" data-end=\"3915\"\u003eOverheating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"u3x5k4\" data-start=\"3918\" data-end=\"3942\"\u003eFrequent disturbance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Ilyas Insects","offers":[{"title":"Royal pair + workers","offer_id":59267378774350,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0889\/1881\/9150\/files\/4B38D3E9-9B66-4D47-A272-B20E693E553F.jpg?v=1774693177","url":"https:\/\/ilyasinsects.com\/products\/reticulitermes-sp-china","provider":"Ilyas Insects","version":"1.0","type":"link"}