First record of a subterranean termite, Coptotermes havilandi Holmgren (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), on the West coast of North America (México)

Abstract

The subterranean termite, Coptotermes havilandi Holmgren, is reported from a previously undocumented site
located in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. This is the first record of that exotic species on the West Coast of North
America. Termites were found inhabiting and damaging pine logs in a fiscal warehouse at Manzanillo harbor. Their
proximity to the harbor, in addition to the lack of any other infestations in the surroundings, suggests that they were
probably introduced as a result of maritime trade. New distribution records are also reported in Mexico City
(Mexico) and the State of Pará (Brazil). This study shows that that species continues being introduced in many
countries despite the efforts of harbor quarantines.