# The destructive subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) can colonize arid territories

## TL;DR

The destructive termite Reticulitermes flavipes has been found for the first time in the extremely dry region of Lanzarote, raising questions about its ability to survive in arid environments.

## Contribution

This study reports the first detection of Reticulitermes flavipes in an arid territory with exceptionally low annual rainfall.

## Key findings

- Reticulitermes flavipes was detected in Lanzarote, an area with only 10.1 mm annual rainfall.
- The termite is present in semi-desert and urban areas on the island.
- The study evaluates distribution, genetics, climate, and host-plant data to understand the invasion process.

## Abstract

Reticulitermes flavipes, one of the most destructive subterranean termite species, has been detected for the first time in an arid territory: Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain). This invasive species was introduced into several countries but never such a dry region. Although there are places with presence of this termite at similar or even higher temperatures, none has annual rainfall (10.1 mm) as low as Lanzarote. On this island it is present in semi-desert, near an affected urban area. Distribution, genetic, climate and host-plant data are evaluated to track and understand its invasion process in the archipelago.