1. Secondary reproductives are common in Reticulitermes nests
FALSE
Secondary reproductives are normally very difficult to find. They hang out with the eggs in a satellite brood nest, with those satellite nests normally being situated under very heavy rocks or in the heartwood of decaying trees. Reproductive nymphs are more common, though. Secondary reproductives have a plate-like covering over their thorax, while the reproductive nymphs have wing buds and (sometimes) darkened eyes.
2. Test tubes are bad for founding termites
FALSE
Termites often thrive within a standard test-tube setup, but they will need slight modifications. It is normally a good idea to slide a piece of thin dampened cardboard or paper on the bottom of the tube to provide a place to stand on for the termites. Also, pieces of non-toxic toothpick, paper, coconut fiber, or fallen leaves should be provided to prevent the termites from chewing through the cotton.
3. Termites only eat wood
FALSE
Most termites will eat almost anything with cellulose, from tissue paper to heartwood.
4. Termites are escape artists
FALSE
Most termites are very thin skinned, which means they dry out when walking in the open. That is why some termites build tubes out of mud to protect themselves. Some termites actually are capable of walking around in the open, but those only include termites like Nasutitermes.
