Scientists have issued a warning after a harmful species was bred to form terrifying ‘hybrid swarms’.
People in Florida are being urged to stay alert as the state becomes home to not one but two invasive species.
This could end up being detrimental to local ecosystems, as reported by News Channel 8, ‘the Formosan subterranean termites and Asian subterranean termites’ are mating in southern parts of the state.
Why are the two species invading local areas?
According to Associate Professor Thomas Chouvenc from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, this is something he has been concerned about for the past decade.
After noticing that both males and females from each of the invasive species were showing signs of courtship behaviors, he began to have his suspicions.
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A study was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, where Chouvenc led a team of researchers to collect samples of the termites.
From there, they were able to confirm that these insects are breeding to create a new hybrid species.
This was discovered after the samples taken in the Fort Lauderdale area ‘didn’t match the shape or form of either termite species’.
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Talking about the team’s findings, Chouvenc explained: “Since then, we have confirmed the presence of hybrid swarms every year since 2021, including in April 2025.”
In the study, it discovered that ‘both termite species are prone to forming massive colonies and, once mature, the winged termites can be sent out to find a mate and establish a new nest as king and queen’.
Chouvenc continued: “This may be a Florida story now, but it likely won’t stay just in Florida. Give it time.”
Why is the new hybrid species invasive?
While the discovery of a new hybrid species is an interesting find, it has become a cause for concern as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services warned that these termites can cause more damage than US termites, which is due to the nature of having very large colonies.
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This can result in damage to buildings, native plants and also release a large amount of toxic gas including methane, which is a factor in climate change.
So, what can be done about that problem before it gets out of hand and spreads to other states?
First off, it’s important to note that experts can’t put a stop to the hybridization process as it is already a decade in the making.
However, as scientists work to better understand the creatures, it is hoped that a weakness in them will be uncovered and will aid in keeping the growth of these colonies under control.