The process of symbiotic flagellate infection of newly hatched larvae
was investigated on a damp wood termite Hodotermopsis japonica. Transm
ission of flagellate species begins from the Ist instar larvae 1-2 day
s after hatching. The complete fauna is established in a majority of 2
nd instar larvae, and all of the 3rd instar larvae examined have the c
omplete fauna. The time to establish the symbiont fauna is quicker tha
n that of Reticulitermes speratus.