South Florida faces a new ecological challenge: two highly destructive invasive termite species are interbreeding. Scientists confirm viable hybrid termites, signaling an amplified threat to environments and structures in the region and potentially beyond.
A study in Proceedings of the Royal Society B confirms University of Florida (UF/IFAS) researchers found viable offspring from Formosan and Asian subterranean termites crossbreeding in South Florida. This new hybrid termite population risks more severe damage than its parent species.
Lead UF/IFAS researcher Thomas Chouvenc told a university release finding these cryptic hybrid colonies “is like looking for a needle in a haystack,” after a decade of monitoring. Genetic tests confirmed hybrids from termites seen in 2021; Chouvenc admitted, “I was hoping to never find it.”
In October 2024, a mature hybrid colony, active for over five years, was found in a Fort Lauderdale park. Chouvenc warns this isn’t isolated, estimating hundreds more undetected hybrid termite colonies could exist across South Florida, posing a widespread latent threat.
Both parent termites breed prolifically and expand colonies rapidly. Concern mounts that these hybrid termites could be equally or more fertile and aggressive. Fort Lauderdale’s global boating hub status could accelerate spread. “This may be a Florida story now, but it likely won’t stay just in Florida,” Chouvenc warned, as boats previously spread termites widely.
Termite hybridization isn’t unique to the U.S.; similar crossbreeding occurs in Taiwan where these species coexist. This suggests interbreeding is likely where their ranges overlap. In Florida, these invasive termites are combining forces, potentially creating a “super termite” with greater destructive power statewide and beyond.
The rise of hybrid termites in South Florida marks a serious escalation of invasive species threats. These potentially more resilient and destructive entities demand urgent attention. Vigilant monitoring, research, and proactive management are vital to mitigate their impact before these combined termite forces spread further.
