The termite becomes immobile after 1 to 3 minutes, and completely paralyzed very soon after this, although it may live for up to 3 hours.

The later instars feed in a similar manner and are able to paralyze multiple termites at the same time.

Contact between the termite and the berothid is not necessary for subduing, and other insects present are not affected by the allomone.

However, female berothids lay egg clusters on logs, stumps or trees infested with termites.

The tiny, newly hatched larvae crawl across the wood seeking cracks and crevices that will lead to the termites within.