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Dampwood Termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis) Frass Under the Microscope

Dampwood Termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis) Frass

This sample was collected from inside an exterior wall cavity of a building with soil on the outside of the wooden wall. The frass in this case is heavily loaded with mineral material from the soil.

Reflected Oblique Illumination

Definition/Function:

Dampwood termite frass is the excriment from dampwood termites.

Significance in the Environment:

The presence of this frass in a wall cavity indicates the presence of dampwood termites

Characteristic Features:

Dampwood termite frass is about 300 micrometers wide and about a millimeter long. It is typically tan but can vary from dark gray to pale yellow depending on the condition of the wood and the amount of extranious material included. Dampwood termite frass tends to have a circular cross- section while dry wood termite frass tends to have a concave hexagonal cross-section.

Associated Particles:

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