First report the Syntermes molestus Burm. (1839) (Isoptera: Termitidae) causing severe mechanical damage to Solanum tuberosum roots

Termites belong to the order Isoptera with approximately 2,800 species worldwide. Lower termites (Families Mastotermitidae, Kalotermitidae, Termopsidae, Hodotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Serritermitidae) have specific diets restricted to woody tissues, while higher termites (family Termitidae) have diverse feeding habits, which include woody tissues, grass, fungi, lichen, bedding, manure, humus and soil. Kalotermitidae, Serritermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae are termite families that occur in Neotropical regions and in Brazil. Kalotermitidae live only in dry wood without contact with the ground. Serritermitidae family comprises two subterranean species. Rhinotermitidae are subterranean and xylophagous. Termitidae family corresponds to more than 80% of the termite species that occur in Brazil. Termitidae have varied habits and are divided into four subfamilies, three of which occur in Brazil: Apicotermitinae (soldier termites), Nasutermitinae (nasuto termites) and Termitinae. Despite the great termites diversity, only 10% of the species are considered pests. Termitidae cause damage both in urban areas and in agrosilvopastoral activity, attacking, in adulthood, pineapple, cotton, rice, live eucalyptus (planted forests and seedlings) and aged corn stalks in Brazil. Here, Silva et al discuss the occurrence of Syntermes molestus causing severe mechanical damage to the Solanum tuberosum cv. Ágata roots in an anthropized area with a agropastoral exploitation history.