[Objectives]  To study the molting and emergence behavior of the last instar nymph of Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder. [Methods]  Last instar nymphs were maintained in a laboratory at (26±0.5)℃ and 75%±5% RH, and their development observed and recorded at regular time intervals. [Results]  Molting required 2–8 h to complete. The ecdysis generally began to crack from the dorsal junction of the thorax and abdomen, then became detached from the ends of abdomen, wing, leg, mouthparts or antenna. More than 50% of normal ecdysis was from the end of abdomen. The color of newly emerged adults was white, but the body and wings gradually became black 8–12 h after emergence. In addition, 34.7% of the last instar nymphs did not emerge successfully under laboratory conditions. [Conclusion]  The molting process of the last instar nymph was relatively short and ecdysis generally began from the dorsal junction of the thorax and abdomen. Molting and emergence behavior were easily affected by the external environment.