Kalotermes brouni

Kalotermes brouni is a species of drywood termite of the genus Kalotermes. It is native to New Zealand, and is the most abundant of New Zealand's three termite species. It is distinguished from introduced Australian termites by its hexagonal droppings.

Taxonomy and etymology

Kalotermes brouni was described by Australian entomologist Walter Wilson Froggatt in 1897 based on specimens collected by New Zealand entomologist Thomas Broun from Drury, New Zealand. The species epithet, brouni, honours the collector.

Phylogeny

In a molecular phylogenetic analysis focusing on Australian drywood termites using the standard DNA sequencing markers cytochrome oxidase II and cytochrome b, K. brouni was found to be nested within the Australian Kalotermes clade.

Distribution and habitat

Kalotermes brouni is endemic to New Zealand and is widespread throughout the country. The species can be found on a number of native and exotic hardwood and softwoods tree hosts. Infestation by K. brouni can damage timber houses, and in extreme cases the house may need to be demolished.