Describes the biology and injuriousness of termites in Queensland, with special reference to species that attack wood, including structural timbers. The main species are <i>Coptotermes acinaciformis, Mastotermes darwiniensis, Cryptotermes primus and <i>Cryptotermes brevis. Sug-gests that the specific identification of termites requires the assistance of a specialist, and that when samples are submitted for identification it is important that all castes (especially soldiers) should be included if possible. -- AATA