Journal articles on the topic 'Termites mounds'
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1
Sichilima, Alfred M., Kong Qinglin, Lei Zhang, Ngandwe K. Mumba, Jiejie Shen, Jianzhong Li, and Boby Samuel. "Preliminary Survey on The Termite Mounds, Their Interior Geometrics and The Termite Prevention from Infrastructural Construction at New Site of Ndola International Airport in Zambia." Journal of Plant and Animal Ecology 1, no. 1 (February 16, 2018): 43–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-17-1868.
Abstract:
An ecological study was conducted on termites located at the new site of Ndola International Airport in Zambia. The aim of this study was: (a) to assess the distribution pattern of different sizes of termite mounds located at the site, (b) to investigate the interior geometrics of termite mounds, (c) to determine the colony sizes of termites per each mound found at the site and (d) to provide technical expertise on the different termite preventive methods used on new buildings. Methods Using an aero-drone fitted with a camera, aerial surveys were conducted to capture and evaluate the spread of differently sized mounds at the site. Mathematical models were used to calculate the volume and number of nests contained in each mound. The colony sizes were captured and recorded per each mound. Analysis Multivariate statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, to compute a two way ANOVA table for comparison of p-values involving the colony sizes and the volumes of nests for small and big mounds. The ratios affecting these volumes were also calculated. Results The total of 1,880 termite mounds was captured spreading at an average of 14 mounds/ 1km2. Results further showed that 65% of total mounds were actively housing termites while 32% were virtually deserted. The 3% balance of mounds were occupied by rodents, ants and snakes, respectively. Progression on the volume of nests in bigger and smaller mounds, significantly tallied with the size of mound at p < 0.0121 and p < 0.0346, respectively. Similarly, the colony size of termites in small and larger mounds was also significant at p < 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively. The nest volume ratios of small, medium and larger mounds were also markedly increasing with the size of mound at 1:8.7-small, 1:32.8 medium and 1:1, 098.6-large, respectively. Conclusion Not every existing termite mound is occupied by termites; the size of nest was directly related to the size of mound; the size of colony concurrently increased with that of the volume of nest. This study unravels some intriguing and conflicting suggestions that smaller mounds can still have larger colonies underground and vice versa. Furthermore, this study is the first in Zambia to combine the concepts of termite habitat geometrics and infrastructural protection.
2
Jacklyn, P. M., and U. Munro. "Evidence for the use of magnetic cues in mound construction by the termite Amitermes meridionalis (Isoptera : Termitinae)." Australian Journal of Zoology 50, no. 4 (2002): 357. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo01061.
Abstract:
The termite Amitermes meridionalis builds meridionally elongated mounds. We removed the tops of such mounds and then allowed the termites to repair their mounds in the natural geomagnetic field and in artificial magnetic fields with different magnetic declinations. Cross-sections of repaired mounds were taken and the arrangement of the small, elongated cells that form the basis of mound architecture was assessed. The results suggest that the termites align mound cells along the existing axis of the mound and the cardinal axes of the horizontal component of the applied magnetic field.
3
Yamashina, Chisato. "Variation in savanna vegetation on termite mounds in north-eastern Namibia." Journal of Tropical Ecology 29, no. 6 (November 2013): 559–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467413000679.
Abstract:
Abstract:In savanna, termite mounds support more diverse vegetation than off-mound areas, but little is known of the patterns in plant assemblages on mounds. To explain vegetation differentiation between (1) component structures of termite mounds (conical centre vs. pediment), (2) active and inactive mounds (termites present vs. termites absent), and (3) sites on and off mounds (on mounds vs. surrounding savanna), species composition, richness and abundances of woody plants were recorded on 70 mounds and in 13 savanna plots (each 20 × 20 m) in north-eastern Namibia, focusing on soil hardness, mound status (active or not) and mound micro-topography as explanatory factors. Woody plants were absent from 33% of active mounds (54% of active cones) but were absent from only 5% of inactive mounds. Species richness and abundance per mound (mean ± SD) were lower on active mounds with (2.0 ± 1.8 and 4.6 ± 6.6, respectively) and without pediments (0.6 ± 0.6 and 0.9 ± 1.1, respectively) than on inactive mounds (4.4 ± 2.7, 19.4 ± 18.8, respectively). Despite the lower woody plant cover, some characteristic species, such as Salvadora persica, occurred preferentially on active mounds; this species occurred on 42% of active mounds. Mean soil hardness (± SD) was higher on conical parts of active mounds (4300 ± 2620 kPa) than on adjacent pediments (583 ± 328 kPa) and inactive mounds (725 ± 619 kPa). This study suggested that mound status, mound micro-topography, and soil hardness promote variability in the vegetation on mounds.
4
Holt, John A. "Carbon mineralization in semi-arid northeastern Australia: the role of termites." Journal of Tropical Ecology 3, no. 3 (August 1987): 255–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400002121.
Abstract:
ABSTRACTThe contribution of a population of mound building, detritivorous termites (Amitermes laurensis (Mjöberg)) to nett carbon mineralization in an Australian tropical semi-arid woodland has been examined. Carbon mineralization rates were estimated by measuring daily CO2 flux from five termite mounds at monthly intervals for 12 months. Carbon flux from the mounds was found to be due to microbial activity as well as termite activity. It is conservatively estimated that the association of A. laurensis and the microbial population present in their mounds is responsible for between 4%–10% of carbon mineralized in this ecosystem, and the contribution of all termites together (mound builders and subterranean) may account for up to 20% of carbon mineralized. Regression analysis showed that rates of carbon mineralization in termite mounds were significantly related to mound moisture and mound temperature. Soil moisture was the most important factor in soil carbon mineralization, with temperature and a moisture X temperature interaction term also exerting significant affects.
5
Nauer, Philipp A., Lindsay B. Hutley, and Stefan K. Arndt. "Termite mounds mitigate half of termite methane emissions." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 115, no. 52 (November 26, 2018): 13306–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1809790115.
Abstract:
Termites are responsible for ∼1 to 3% of global methane (CH4) emissions. However, estimates of global termite CH4emissions span two orders of magnitude, suggesting that fundamental knowledge of CH4turnover processes in termite colonies is missing. In particular, there is little reliable information on the extent and location of microbial CH4oxidation in termite mounds. Here, we use a one-box model to unify three independent field methods—a gas-tracer test, an inhibitor approach, and a stable-isotope technique—and quantify CH4production, oxidation, and transport in three North Australian termite species with different feeding habits and mound architectures. We present systematic in situ evidence of widespread CH4oxidation in termite mounds, with 20 to 80% of termite-produced CH4being mitigated before emission to the atmosphere. Furthermore, closing the CH4mass balance in mounds allows us to estimate in situ termite biomass from CH4turnover, with mean biomass ranging between 22 and 86 g of termites per kilogram of mound for the three species. Field tests with excavated mounds show that the predominant location of CH4oxidation is either in the mound material or the soil beneath and is related to species-specific mound porosities. Regardless of termite species, however, our data and model suggest that the fraction of oxidized CH4(fox) remains well buffered due to links among consumption, oxidation, and transport processes via mound CH4concentration. The meanfoxof 0.50 ± 0.11 (95% CI) from in situ measurements therefore presents a valid oxidation factor for future global estimates of termite CH4emissions.
6
Räsänen, Matti, Risto Vesala, Petri Rönnholm, Laura Arppe, Petra Manninen, Markus Jylhä, Jouko Rikkinen, Petri Pellikka, and Janne Rinne. "Carbon dioxide and methane fluxes from mounds of African fungus-growing termites." Biogeosciences 20, no. 19 (October 4, 2023): 4029–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4029-2023.
Abstract:
Abstract. Termites play an essential role in decomposing dead plant material in tropical ecosystems and are thus major sources of gaseous C emissions in many environments. In African savannas, fungus-growing termites are among the ecologically most influential termite species. We studied the gas exchange from mounds of two closely related fungus-growing species (Macrotermes subhyalinus and M. michaelseni, respectively) in two habitats representing different vegetation types (grassland, bushland) together with soil fluxes around the mounds. The fluxes from active termite mounds varied from 120 to 2100 mg CO2–C m−2 h−1 for carbon dioxide (CO2) and from 0.06 to 3.7 mg CH4–C m−2 h−1 for methane (CH4) fluxes. Mound CO2 fluxes varied seasonally with a 64 % decrease and 41 % increase in the fluxes from the dry to wet season at the grassland and bushland sites, respectively. During the wet season, the CO2 fluxes were significantly correlated with termite mound volume. The diurnal measurements from two M. michaelseni mounds suggest that the gas fluxes peak during the daytime, possibly reflecting changes in mound internal air circulation. Soil fluxes of both CO2 and CH4 were enhanced at up to 2 m distance from the mounds compared to the local soil respiration, indicating that, in addition to mound ventilation structures, a small proportion of the metabolic gases produced also leave the nest via surrounding soils.
7
Kaschuk, Glaciela, Julio Cesar Pires Santos, Jaime Antonio Almeida, Deise Cristina Sinhorati, and João Francisco Berton-Junior. "Termite activity in relation to natural grassland soil attributes." Scientia Agricola 63, no. 6 (December 2006): 583–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162006000600013.
Abstract:
Soil-feeding termites transport soil for mound building, and this process can affect soil characteristics. To verify the influence of soil termite activity on soil characteristics, samples were collected from top, bottom and center of termite mounds, and of the adjacent area, to assess chemical and physical properties and mineralogical composition. Four replicates of termite mounds and respective adjacent areas were randomly sampled in Lages, Capão Alto, Painel, São José do Cerrito and Coxilha Rica (State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil). Results of chemical analyses showed a greater content of K, P, Ca, Mg and organic C in the inner part of termite mounds, accompanied by lower pH in relation to soil of the adjacent area. There were no differences regarding clay mineral composition between termite mounds and adjacent soil, however the proportion of sand and clay differed between them. It is concluded that termites modify soil characteristics due to great volume of soil transported per ascensum for mound construction (varying from 20.9 m³ ha-1 to 136.6 m³ ha-1, in this study) which promotes a strong pedo-bio-perturbation and affects nutrient cycling and soil physical properties.
8
Coventry, RJ, JA Holt, and DF Sinclair. "Nutrient cycling by mound building termites in low fertility soils of semi-arid tropical Australia." Soil Research 26, no. 2 (1988): 375. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9880375.
Abstract:
The capacity of three species of mound-building termites, Amitermes vitiosus Hill, Drepanotermes perniger (Froggatt), and Tumulitermes pastinator (Froggatt), to turn over plant nutrients was quantified in a semi-arid tropical woodland near Charters Towers in north-eastern Queensland. Various chemical attributes of the red and yellow earth soils, of low inherent fertility and unmodified by recent termite activity, are compared with those of the mounds of the three termite species and with the underlying, termite-modified soils. The mounds contain 21 Mg ha-l of soil, representing only 1% of the total mass of soil in the Al soil horizon but 5-7% of the plant nutrients in this system. Nutrients in the termite mounds, temporarily withheld from plant growth, are eventually returned to the soil surface by erosion of abandoned mounds. We estimate that the termites can turnover annually 300-400 kg ha-1 of soil material with nutrient levels 2-7 times that of the Al soil horizon.
9
Boonriam, Warin, Pongthep Suwanwaree, Sasitorn Hasin, Phuvasa Chanonmuang, Taksin Archawakom, and Akinori Yamada. "Effect of Fungus-Growing Termite on Soil CO2 Emission at Termitaria Scale in Dry Evergreen Forest, Thailand." Environment and Natural Resources Journal 19, no. 6 (September 10, 2021): 1–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.32526/ennrj/19/202100048.
Abstract:
Termites are one of the major contributors to high spatial variability in soil respiration. Although epigeal termite mounds are considered as a point of high CO2 effluxes, the patterns of mound CO2 effluxes are different, especially the mound of fungus-growing termites in a tropical forest. This study quantified the effects of a fungus-growing termite (Macrotermes carbonarius) associated with soil CO2 emission by considering their nesting pattern in dry evergreen forest, Thailand. A total of six mounds of M. carbonarius were measured for CO2 efflux rates on their mounds and surrounding soils in dry and wet seasons. Also, measurement points were investigated for the active underground passages at the top 10% of among efflux rates. The mean rate of CO2 emission from termitaria of M. carbonarius was 7.66 µmol CO2/m2/s, consisting of 2.94 and 9.11 µmol CO2/m2/s from their above mound and underground passages (the rate reached up to 50.00 µmol CO2/m2/s), respectively. While the CO2 emission rate from the surrounding soil alone was 6.86 µmol CO2/m2/s. The results showed that the termitaria of M. carbonarius contributed 8.4% to soil respiration at the termitaria scale. The study suggests that fungus-growing termites cause a local and strong variation in soil respiration through underground passages radiating out from the mounds in dry evergreen forest.
10
Cox, George W., and Christopher G. Gakahu. "Mima mound microtopography and vegetation pattern in Kenyan savannas." Journal of Tropical Ecology 1, no. 1 (February 1985): 23–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400000055.
Abstract:
ABSTRACTEarth mounds are important determinants of vegetation pattern in savannas, acting as foci for establishment of woody plants. In the Kenya highlands, mounds formerly attributed to termites have recently been found to be Mima mounds produced by rhizomyid mole rats. We investigated Mima mounds on black cotton soils near Kenyatta International Airport and on brown clay soils between Nairobi and Thika. At Kenyatta Airport, mounds had loamier, more granular soils than intermounds, and contained small rocks that mole rats can move. At the site between Nairobi and Thika, mound soils were more friable, higher in pH, and lower in carbon than intermound soils. Data from this and other studies indicate that Mima mound soils are more favourable for plant growth than those of true termite mounds. Mound vegetation exhibited lower coverage of grasses and greater coverage by forbs, shrubs, and bare ground, a pattern indicative of intense grazing and soil disturbance. Acacias, absent from most mounds, were abundant in the zone bordering the mound. This pattern may reflect the favourability of mound soils, combined with the effects of high grazing pressure. Future studies of savanna vegetation should distinguish between termite mounds and Mima mounds.
11
Jones, Julia Allen. "Termites, soil fertility and carbon cycling in dry tropical Africa: a hypothesis." Journal of Tropical Ecology 6, no. 3 (August 1990): 291–305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400004533.
Abstract:
ABSTRACTTermites, particularly the mound building, fungus growing Macrotermitinae, reach densities of up to 400 termites m−2in soils of dry tropical Africa. The influence of Macrotermi tinae in increasing certain soil nutrients in mounds compared to adjacent soils has been documented, but the links between litter harvesting by termites, soil fertility, and global C cycling have not been explored. This study reviews the evidence from soil science, ecology and atmos pheric chemistry and generates hypotheses to explain the role of termites in dry tropical eco systems. It is suggested that termite activity exhaustively partitions litterfall among adjacent com peting colonies, where it is so thoroughly decomposed that little or no organic C is incorporated into the soils. Associated N, P, and cations build up in the mounds, but C apparently is emitted as CO2and CH4from the mounds. While not adequate to calculate nutrient fluxes through termites, the data available support the argument that termites contribute significantly to atmospheric fluxes of CO2and CH4. Moreover, they suggest a coupling of regional soil forming processes and the global C budget.
12
van Asperen, Hella, João Rafael Alves-Oliveira, Thorsten Warneke, Bruce Forsberg, Alessandro Carioca de Araújo, and Justus Notholt. "The role of termite CH<sub>4</sub> emissions on the ecosystem scale: a case study in the Amazon rainforest." Biogeosciences 18, no. 8 (April 26, 2021): 2609–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-2609-2021.
Abstract:
Abstract. The magnitude of termite methane (CH4) emissions is still an uncertain part of the global CH4 budget and current emission estimates are based on limited field studies. We present in situ CH4 emission measurements of termite mounds and termite mound subsamples performed in the Amazon rainforest. Emissions from five termite mounds of the species Neocapritermes brasiliensis were measured by use of a large flux chamber connected to a portable gas analyser measuring CH4 and CO2. In addition, the emissions of mound subsamples were measured, after which the termites were counted so that a termite CH4 and CO2 emission factor could be determined. Mound emissions were found to range between 17.0 and 34.8 nmol mound−1 s−1 for CH4 and between 1.1 and 13.0 µmol mound−1 s−1 for CO2. A termite emission factor of 0.35 µmol CH4 gtermite-1 h−1 was found, which is almost twice as high as the only other reported value for the Amazon. By combining mound emission measurements with the termite emission factor, colony sizes could be estimated, which were found to range between 55–125 thousand individuals. Estimates were similar to literature values, and we therefore propose that this method can be used as a quick non-intrusive method to estimate termite colony size in the field. The role of termites in the ecosystem's CH4 budget was evaluated by use of two approaches. Termite mound emission values were combined with local mound density numbers, leading to an estimate of 0.15–0.71 nmol CH4 m−2 s−1, on average, emitted by termite mounds. In addition, the termite CH4 emission factor from this study was combined with termite biomass numbers, resulting in an estimate of termite-emitted CH4 of ∼1.0 nmol m−2 s−1. Considering the relatively low net CH4 emissions previously measured at this ecosystem, we expect that termites play an important role in the CH4 budget of this terra firme ecosystem.
13
Sarcinelli, Tathiane Santi, Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer, Elpídio Inácio Fernandes Filho, Reginaldo Gonçalves Mafia, and Andreza Viana Neri. "Soil modification by termites in a sandy-soil vegetation in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest." Journal of Tropical Ecology 29, no. 5 (August 28, 2013): 439–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467413000497.
Abstract:
Abstract:Termites play a critical role in the regulation of soil processes, for example, water retention, nutrient cycling, and the formation and maintenance of soil structure. There is a consensus that mound-building termites modify physical and chemical soil properties in clay soils, but there is limited investigation into their influence for sandy soils in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest. We tested the hypotheses that the termitosphere effectively improves properties of sandy soil, and that the role of termite soil particle selection is of greater importance in soils with higher sand concentration and lower nutrient status. The work was conducted in three vegetation physiognomies: woodland, savanna and grassland. In the woodland physiognomy we sampled in the border and in the interior, totalling four studied areas. We described a soil profile and collected five samples of termitaria and surface soil in each area. Also, in three 100-m2 plots allotted in each area, termite-mound density and volume were estimated, and termites were collected for taxonomic identification. Soil samples were submitted to physical and chemical analysis, and regression models were employed to analyse termite particle selection ability in different soil conditions. In most areas, the concentrations of nutrients, organic carbon and clay-size particles were significantly higher in termite mounds than in surface soils. On a weight basis, termite mounds had up to 32 times more nutrients, 12 times more organic carbon, and five times more clay than surrounding soils, however, aluminium toxicity was lower in termite mounds. Regression models demonstrated that the role of termites in soil particle selection is of greater ecological importance with decreasing soil nutrient status and increasing sand concentration. Therefore, termites greatly improve soil properties, representing truly ecosystem engineers in sandy soils, with an average soil turnover by mound-building activity reaching 10.5 m3 ha−1.
14
Bento, Gustavo Queiroga, Paulo Henrique de Siqueira Sabino, Gian Otávio Alves da Silva, Ligiane Aparecida Florentino, Adauton Vilela de Rezende, Geraldo Andrade Carvalho, and Fabrício Vilela Andrade Fiorini. "Association between the occurrence of mound-building termite in pasture with physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil." Research, Society and Development 11, no. 8 (June 18, 2022): e25511830877. http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i8.30877.
Abstract:
The occurrence of mound-building termite Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832) (Termitidae) in pastures may be related to the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the soil. However, little is known about these relationships. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the occurrence of mound-building termite in pasture with the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the soil. The number of mounds and their circumference (cm) and height (m) were evaluated in three subareas present in the same pasture area. Soil chemical, physical and biological analyses were performed. Soil acidity and texture do not interfere with the occurrence of mound-building termites in the pasture. The lower CO2 release in the soil contributes to a greater occurrence of mound-building termites and greater mound circumference. Therefore, it is important to improve the soil conditions in order to increase its biological activity and, consequently, to allow the development of microorganisms which reduce the development of mounds.
15
Ahmed II, Jamilu Bala, Biswajeet Pradhan, Shattri Mansor, Zainuddin M. Yusoff, and Salamatu Abraham Ekpo. "Aquifer Potential Assessment in Termites Manifested Locales Using Geo-Electrical and Surface Hydraulic Measurement Parameters." Sensors 19, no. 9 (May 7, 2019): 2107. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s19092107.
Abstract:
In some parts of tropical Africa, termite mound locations are traditionally used to site groundwater structures mainly in the form of hand-dug wells with high success rates. However, the scientific rationale behind the use of mounds as prospective sites for locating groundwater structures has not been thoroughly investigated. In this paper, locations and structural features of termite mounds were mapped with the aim of determining the aquifer potential beneath termite mounds and comparing the same with adjacent areas, 10 m away. Soil and species sampling, field surveys and laboratory analyses to obtain data on physical, hydraulic and geo-electrical parameters from termite mounds and adjacent control areas followed. The physical and hydraulic measurements demonstrated relatively higher infiltration rates and lower soil water content on mound soils compared with the surrounding areas. To assess the aquifer potential, vertical electrical soundings were conducted on 28 termite mounds sites and adjacent control areas. Three (3) important parameters were assessed to compute potential weights for each Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) point: Depth to bedrock, aquifer layer resistivity and fresh/fractured bedrock resistivity. These weights were then compared between those of termite mound sites and those from control areas. The result revealed that about 43% of mound sites have greater aquifer potential compared to the surrounding areas, whereas 28.5% of mounds have equal and lower potentials compared with the surrounding areas. The study concludes that termite mounds locations are suitable spots for groundwater prospecting owing to the deeper regolith layer beneath them which suggests that termites either have the ability to locate places with a deeper weathering horizon or are themselves agents of biological weathering. Further studies to check how representative our study area is of other areas with similar termite activities are recommended.
16
Tilahun, Amsalu, Wim Cornelis, Steven Sleutel, Abebe Nigussie, Bayu Dume, and Eric Van Ranst. "The Potential of Termite Mound Spreading for Soil Fertility Management under Low Input Subsistence Agriculture." Agriculture 11, no. 10 (October 14, 2021): 1002. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11101002.
Abstract:
Termites can play a localized prominent role in soil nutrient availability and cycling because mound materials are often enriched in nutrients relative to surrounding soil. Mound materials may thus prove to be useful amendments, though evidently mound spatial arrangement needs to be considered as well. Furthermore, it is not known if gradients of soil properties exist from termite mound to interspace sites. Studying both aspects would be required to decide whether spreading of mounds or spatially differentiated management of surrounding crop to accommodate soil fertility gradients would be valid nutrient-management strategies. Mound abundance and mass were estimated at 9 and 4 mounds ha−1, representing 38.9 and 6.3 t ha−1 on Nitisols and Vertisols, respectively. Soil physical and chemical properties were measured on samples collected from internal and external parts of mounds and adjacent soils at 0.5, 1 and 10 m away from mounds. In general, termite mounds were enriched in plant nutrients and SOC on Vertisols but not on Nitisols. Termite mounds constituted only 0.3 to 1.3% of the 0–15 cm SOM stock on a per ha basis but nevertheless the immediate vicinity of termite mounds was a relative fertile hotspot. Hence, under the studied condition, we suggest spatial arrangement of crop around termite mounds according to soil fertility gradient and spatially differentiated nutrient management strategies. Our result suggests recommendation of termite mound spreading for soil nutrient amendment has to consider plant nutrient stock in termite mounds on per ha basis besides their nutrient enrichment. Interesting topics for future investigation would be growth experiment for different crops with mound materials treatment. It would also be interesting to study the effect mound building termite on soil properties under different soil conditions, slope class and land use.
17
Tilahun, Amsalu, Wim Cornelis, Steven Sleutel, Abebe Nigussie, Bayu Dume, and Eric Van Ranst. "The Potential of Termite Mound Spreading for Soil Fertility Management under Low Input Subsistence Agriculture." Agriculture 11, no. 10 (October 14, 2021): 1002. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11101002.
Abstract:
Termites can play a localized prominent role in soil nutrient availability and cycling because mound materials are often enriched in nutrients relative to surrounding soil. Mound materials may thus prove to be useful amendments, though evidently mound spatial arrangement needs to be considered as well. Furthermore, it is not known if gradients of soil properties exist from termite mound to interspace sites. Studying both aspects would be required to decide whether spreading of mounds or spatially differentiated management of surrounding crop to accommodate soil fertility gradients would be valid nutrient-management strategies. Mound abundance and mass were estimated at 9 and 4 mounds ha−1, representing 38.9 and 6.3 t ha−1 on Nitisols and Vertisols, respectively. Soil physical and chemical properties were measured on samples collected from internal and external parts of mounds and adjacent soils at 0.5, 1 and 10 m away from mounds. In general, termite mounds were enriched in plant nutrients and SOC on Vertisols but not on Nitisols. Termite mounds constituted only 0.3 to 1.3% of the 0–15 cm SOM stock on a per ha basis but nevertheless the immediate vicinity of termite mounds was a relative fertile hotspot. Hence, under the studied condition, we suggest spatial arrangement of crop around termite mounds according to soil fertility gradient and spatially differentiated nutrient management strategies. Our result suggests recommendation of termite mound spreading for soil nutrient amendment has to consider plant nutrient stock in termite mounds on per ha basis besides their nutrient enrichment. Interesting topics for future investigation would be growth experiment for different crops with mound materials treatment. It would also be interesting to study the effect mound building termite on soil properties under different soil conditions, slope class and land use.
18
Diehl, E., L. K. Junqueira, and E. Berti-Filho. "Ant and termite mound coinhabitants in the wetlands of Santo Antonio da Patrulha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil." Brazilian Journal of Biology 65, no. 3 (August 2005): 431–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1519-69842005000300008.
Abstract:
This paper reports on ant and termite species inhabiting the mounds (murundus) found in three wetland sites in Santo Antonio da Patrulha. Ants and termites were found in 100% of the mounds of two sites and in 20% of those in the third site. Colonies of Camponotus fastigatus were found inhabiting all the mounds, while colonies of Brachymyrmex sp., Linepithema sp., Pheidole sp., and/or Solenopsis sp. were collected in less than 30% of the mounds. In the mounds of the three sites, colonies of Anoplotermes sp. and/or Aparatermes sp. termites were found together with the ant colonies. Another cohabiting termite species, Cortaritermes sp., was found only in the mounds of one site. The results suggest that C. fastigatus is the species building the mounds, with the other species, whether ants or termites, being the inquilines.
19
Erpenbach, Arne, and Rüdiger Wittig. "Termites and savannas – an overview on history and recent scientific progress with particular respect to West Africa and to the genus Macrotermes." Flora et Vegetatio Sudano-Sambesica 19 (December 1, 2016): 35–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.21248/fvss.19.34.
Abstract:
Particularly in savannas, termites are ecosystem engineers and a keystone group in ecology. For the understanding of the savanna vegetation, mound building termites are of particular interest. Due to their special soil chemistry and physical structure, termite mounds often host other plants than the surrounding savanna. As our knowledge of the specific contribution of mound-building termites to overall savanna diversity and ecosystem dynamics doubtlessly is not complete, this paper summarises the state of the art in order to stimulate further research. According to the research interest of the authors, focus is laid on the West African savanna and on the genus Macrotermes.
20
Ocko, Samuel A., Alexander Heyde, and L. Mahadevan. "Morphogenesis of termite mounds." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 116, no. 9 (February 11, 2019): 3379–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1818759116.
Abstract:
Several species of millimetric-sized termites across Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America collectively construct large, meter-sized, porous mound structures that serve to regulate mound temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations. These mounds display varied yet distinctive morphologies that range widely in size and shape. To explain this morphological diversity, we introduce a mathematical model that couples environmental physics to insect behavior: The advection and diffusion of heat and pheromones through a porous medium are modified by the mound geometry and, in turn, modify that geometry through a minimal characterization of termite behavior. Our model captures the range of naturally observed mound shapes in terms of a minimal set of dimensionless parameters and makes testable hypotheses for the response of mound morphology to external temperature oscillations and internal odors. Our approach also suggests mechanisms by which evolutionary changes in odor production rate and construction behavior coupled to simple physical laws can alter the characteristic mound morphology of termites.
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Vesala, Risto, Anni Harjuntausta, Anu Hakkarainen, Petri Rönnholm, Petri Pellikka, and Jouko Rikkinen. "Termite mound architecture regulates nest temperature and correlates with species identities of symbiotic fungi." PeerJ 6 (January 16, 2019): e6237. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6237.
Abstract:
BackgroundLarge and complex mounds built by termites of the genusMacrotermescharacterize many dry African landscapes, including the savannas, bushlands, and dry forests of the Tsavo Ecosystem in southern Kenya. The termites live in obligate symbiosis with filamentous fungi of the genusTermitomyces. The insects collect dead plant material from their environment and deposit it into their nests where indigestible cell wall compounds are effectively decomposed by the fungus. Above-ground mounds are built to enhance nest ventilation and to maintain nest interior microclimates favorable for fungal growth.ObjectivesIn Tsavo Ecosystem twoMacrotermesspecies associate with three differentTermitomycessymbionts, always with a monoculture of one fungal species within each termite nest. As mound architecture differs considerably both between and within termite species we explored potential relationships between nest thermoregulatory strategies and species identity of fungal symbionts.MethodsExternal dimensions were measured from 164Macrotermesmounds and the cultivatedTermitomycesspecies were identified by sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. We also recorded the annual temperature regimes of several termite mounds to determine relations between mound architecture and nest temperatures during different seasons.ResultsMound architecture had a major effect on nest temperatures. Relatively cool temperatures were always recorded from large mounds with open ventilation systems, while the internal temperatures of mounds with closed ventilation systems and small mounds with open ventilation systems were consistently higher. The distribution of the three fungal symbionts in different mounds was not random, with one fungal species confined to “hot nests.”ConclusionsOur results indicate that differentTermitomycesspecies have different temperature requirements, and that one of the cultivated species is relatively intolerant of low temperatures. The dominantMacrotermesspecies in our study area can clearly modify its mound architecture to meet the thermal requirements of several different symbionts. However, a treacherous balance seems to exist between symbiont identity and mound architecture, as the maintenance of the thermophilic fungal species obviously requires reduced mound architecture that, in turn, leads to inadequate gas exchange. Hence, our study concludes that while the limited ventilation capacity of small mounds sets strict limits to insect colony growth, in this case, improving nest ventilation would invariable lead to excessively low nest temperatures, with negative consequences to the symbiotic fungus.
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Erpenbach, Arne, Rüdiger Wittig, and Karen Hahn. "Dynamics of juvenile woody plant communities on termite mounds in a West African savanna landscape." Flora et Vegetatio Sudano-Sambesica 17 (December 1, 2014): 28–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.21248/fvss.17.25.
Abstract:
Termites are keystone species in savanna ecology, and their mounds are thought to be an important source of habitat heterogeneity and structural complexity of the savanna. Macrotermes termitaria have been shown to allow woody plant colonisation of landscapes otherwise dominated by C4 grasses. In this study, we assess how resource-rich Macrotermes mounds affect juvenile woody plant and non-woody plant species diversity, community composition, biomass and population dynamics. We repeatedly sampled paired termite mound and savanna plots in Pendjari National Park (Sudanian vegetation zone, North Benin, West Africa) over the course of two years. Despite considerable overlap in their species pools, plant communities of mound and savanna plots were clearly separated in ordinations. Species richness and diversity of juvenile woody plants was consistently higher on termite mounds, while no differences could be detected for non-woody plants. Evenness of juvenile woody plants was generally lower on mounds, whereas density and basal area were higher on mounds. In contrast, we did not detect any influence of the mound microhabitat on colonisation, mortality and turnover of woody juveniles. Therefore, we suggest that differences in the communities on and off mounds should be strongly influenced by directed diaspore dispersal through zoochory.
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Fall, Saliou, Jérôme Hamelin, Farma Ndiaye, Komi Assigbetse, Michel Aragno, Jean Luc Chotte, and Alain Brauman. "Differences between Bacterial Communities in the Gut of a Soil-Feeding Termite (Cubitermes niokoloensis) and Its Mounds." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 73, no. 16 (June 15, 2007): 5199–208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.02616-06.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT In tropical ecosystems, termite mound soils constitute an important soil compartment covering around 10% of African soils. Previous studies have shown (S. Fall, S. Nazaret, J. L. Chotte, and A. Brauman, Microb. Ecol. 28:191-199, 2004) that the bacterial genetic structure of the mounds of soil-feeding termites (Cubitermes niokoloensis) is different from that of their surrounding soil. The aim of this study was to characterize the specificity of bacterial communities within mounds with respect to the digestive and soil origins of the mound. We have compared the bacterial community structures of a termite mound, termite gut sections, and surrounding soil using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis and cloning and sequencing of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. DGGE analysis revealed a drastic difference between the genetic structures of the bacterial communities of the termite gut and the mound. Analysis of 266 clones, including 54 from excised bands, revealed a high level of diversity in each biota investigated. The soil-feeding termite mound was dominated by the Actinobacteria phylum, whereas the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla dominate the gut sections of termites and the surrounding soil, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a distinct clustering of Actinobacteria phylotypes between the mound and the surrounding soil. The Actinobacteria clones of the termite mound were diverse, distributed among 10 distinct families, and like those in the termite gut environment lightly dominated by the Nocardioidaceae family. Our findings confirmed that the soil-feeding termite mound (C. niokoloensis) represents a specific bacterial habitat in the tropics.
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Li, Ying, Zhi-Yong Dong, Dong-Zi Pan, Cun-Hong Pan, and Lai-Hua Chen. "Effects of Termites on Soil pH and Its Application for Termite Control in Zhejiang Province, China." Sociobiology 64, no. 3 (October 17, 2017): 317. http://dx.doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v64i3.1674.
Abstract:
Soil dwelling termites dig nests in the ground that have a significant impact on the soil environment. Activities of termites can result in accumulation of organic matter and enrichment of nutrients and minerals in the soil. Samples from the nest/surrounding soils of two termite species (Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) and Reticulitermes flaviceps (Oshima)) and termite non-invaded soils in the seawall of the Qiantang River, Zhejiang Province, China were collected and analysed for soil pH. The results show that the observed termites prefer an acidic environment and that their activities elevate the pH of termite mound soil compared with surrounding soil. Considering the differences in the distribution areas, termite species, and properties of termite mounds and surrounding soils, this paper also examines the literature concerning the effects of termites on soil pH. After summarizing the pH of the termite survival soil environment, the feasibility of termite control by modifying the soil pH is addressed. Finally, some topics for future research are discussed.
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de BRUYN, LOBRY, and AJ Conacher. "The role of termites and ants in soil modification - a review." Soil Research 28, no. 1 (1990): 55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9900055.
Abstract:
The review examines the literature concerning the effects on soil profile development of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and termites (Isoptera), two prominent insect groups in the Australian environment. Their pedological influence is largely through the construction of nests, galleries, soil sheetings and mounds. Some of the pedological effects are manifested in the physical modification of the soil profile through selecting, transporting and rearranging soil particles. Within this group, findings in areas such as soil turnover, mound longevity, bioturbation, soil structure and water infiltration are discussed. Termites contribute actively to soil turnover, and the contribution of termite sheetings and ant mounds to soil turnover is also being recognized. Termite mounds may persist in the landscape for more than two decades, while ant mound longevity varies from weeks to decades. Information on the effects of ants and termites on soil structure and water infiltration is sparse; but ants and termites seem to either increase infiltration by improving soil structure and porosity, or to decrease infiltration by producing compact surfaces which assist runoff and erosion. Other effects involve the chemical alteration of the soil profile by ants and termites collecting and transporting live and dead animal and plant materials to their nest structures, and by the additions of secretions and excreta in nest construction. The majority of ants and termites probably increase carbon and nutrient levels, especially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as exchangeable magnesium and calcium. The extent of the increases depends greatly on the type of mound construction and the degree to which organic material is incorporated. Problems with research techniques include the use of a variety of sampling techniques by different researchers, lack of detailed soil description or classification, and inadequate description of location of sampling points. These deficiencies make it difficult to draw valid comparisons between research projects. Many researchers also base their generalizations on ant or termite soil modifications on a small number of samples, although during the 1980s there has been an increase in sample sizes. Contradictory data often result from projects being undertaken on different species and in different environments. Future research directions need to include a greater concentration on the morphology of ant nests, more detailed assessment of the influence of ants and termites on soil structure and water infiltration, an increase in biopedological research in human-modified environments, a greater emphasis on termites and ants other than the most dominant or prominent species, and a focus on community as distinct from single-species effects.
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de BRUYN, LOBRY, and AJ Conacher. "Corrigenda - The role of termites and ants in soil modification - a review." Soil Research 28, no. 1 (1990): 55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9900055c.
Abstract:
The review examines the literature concerning the effects on soil profile development of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and termites (Isoptera), two prominent insect groups in the Australian environment. Their pedological influence is largely through the construction of nests, galleries, soil sheetings and mounds. Some of the pedological effects are manifested in the physical modification of the soil profile through selecting, transporting and rearranging soil particles. Within this group, findings in areas such as soil turnover, mound longevity, bioturbation, soil structure and water infiltration are discussed. Termites contribute actively to soil turnover, and the contribution of termite sheetings and ant mounds to soil turnover is also being recognized. Termite mounds may persist in the landscape for more than two decades, while ant mound longevity varies from weeks to decades. Information on the effects of ants and termites on soil structure and water infiltration is sparse; but ants and termites seem to either increase infiltration by improving soil structure and porosity, or to decrease infiltration by producing compact surfaces which assist runoff and erosion. Other effects involve the chemical alteration of the soil profile by ants and termites collecting and transporting live and dead animal and plant materials to their nest structures, and by the additions of secretions and excreta in nest construction. The majority of ants and termites probably increase carbon and nutrient levels, especially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as exchangeable magnesium and calcium. The extent of the increases depends greatly on the type of mound construction and the degree to which organic material is incorporated. Problems with research techniques include the use of a variety of sampling techniques by different researchers, lack of detailed soil description or classification, and inadequate description of location of sampling points. These deficiencies make it difficult to draw valid comparisons between research projects. Many researchers also base their generalizations on ant or termite soil modifications on a small number of samples, although during the 1980s there has been an increase in sample sizes. Contradictory data often result from projects being undertaken on different species and in different environments. Future research directions need to include a greater concentration on the morphology of ant nests, more detailed assessment of the influence of ants and termites on soil structure and water infiltration, an increase in biopedological research in human-modified environments, a greater emphasis on termites and ants other than the most dominant or prominent species, and a focus on community as distinct from single-species effects.
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Kavyashree, R. K., S. Murugan, and A. Namratha. "Termite Mounds’ Diversity and Distribution: A Study at Jnanabharathi, Bangalore University." International Journal of Forest, Animal And Fisheries Research 6, no. 4 (2022): 09–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijfaf.6.4.2.
Abstract:
Termites work together to modify their surroundings, which in turn influences their behaviour, leading to the building of termite mounds. The study was designed to assess diversity of termite mounds present in the Bangalore University Campus, Bengaluru, India. Observations were made on the occurrence, abundance, evenness and richness of the termite mounds. Mounds were surveyed by field survey and photographic interpretation method during July 2021 to June 2022. Totally 119 mounds were found, out of which 18 are ground level mounds, 42 small mounds, 37 medium mounds and 22 tall mounds. To test its effectiveness and to know about the influence of the mounds on the ecological well-being, termite mounds were identified, compared and interpreted using google earth map and the results were statistically verified.
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Abe, Susumu S., Sadahiro Yamamoto, and Toshiyuki Wakatsuki. "Soil-particle selection by the mound-building termite Macrotermes bellicosus on a sandy loam soil catena in a Nigerian tropical savanna." Journal of Tropical Ecology 25, no. 4 (July 2009): 449–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467409006142.
Abstract:
Many species of termite (Isoptera) build their nests inside mounds because a mound has direct and positive feedback effects on the termite colonies through the maintenance of humidity and protection of the population from enemies, e.g. ants (Jouquet et al. 2006, Korb 2003, Noirot & Darlington 2000). Soil manipulation by termites (Isoptera) for mound construction is of particular interest for many researchers in terms of pedogenesis of the tropics (Lavelle et al. 1992, Lobry de Bruyn & Conacher 1990). The termites select soil particles according to ecological requirements such as water availability (Jouquet et al. 2002, 2007) and improve soil structural stability by means of application of clay particles and saliva/excreta (Fall et al. 2001, Jouquet et al. 2004). The nest-building activity of the termites inevitably causes regional translocation of soils (Bagine 1984, Holt & Lepage 2000) and distinctive patches in local ecosystems, which contributes to ecological diversity (Lavelle et al. 1992). This is the reason why termites are regarded as an ecological engineer (Jouquet et al. 2006). Soil-particle selection by the termites, however, has not been fully explored in relation to diverse ecologies and landscapes in Africa.
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Bardunias, Paul M., Daniel S. Calovi, Nicole Carey, Rupert Soar, J. Scott Turner, Radhika Nagpal, and Justin Werfel. "The extension of internal humidity levels beyond the soil surface facilitates mound expansion in Macrotermes." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 287, no. 1930 (July 8, 2020): 20200894. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.0894.
Abstract:
Termites in the genus Macrotermes construct large-scale soil mounds above their nests. The classic explanation for how termites coordinate their labour to build the mound, based on a putative cement pheromone, has recently been called into question. Here, we present evidence for an alternate interpretation based on sensing humidity. The high humidity characteristic of the mound's internal environment extends a short distance into the low-humidity external world, in a ‘bubble’ that can be disrupted by external factors like wind. Termites transport more soil mass into on-mound reservoirs when shielded from water loss through evaporation, and into experimental arenas when relative humidity is held at a high value. These results suggest that the interface between internal and external conditions may serve as a template for mound expansion, with workers moving freely within a zone of high humidity and depositing soil at its edge. Such deposition of additional moist soil will increase local humidity, in a feedback loop allowing the ‘interior’ zone to progress further outward and lead to mound expansion.
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Arab, Daej A., Anna Namyatova, Theodore A. Evans, Stephen L. Cameron, David K. Yeates, Simon Y. W. Ho, and Nathan Lo. "Parallel evolution of mound-building and grass-feeding in Australian nasute termites." Biology Letters 13, no. 2 (February 2017): 20160665. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2016.0665.
Abstract:
Termite mounds built by representatives of the family Termitidae are among the most spectacular constructions in the animal kingdom, reaching 6–8 m in height and housing millions of individuals. Although functional aspects of these structures are well studied, their evolutionary origins remain poorly understood. Australian representatives of the termitid subfamily Nasutitermitinae display a wide variety of nesting habits, making them an ideal group for investigating the evolution of mound building. Because they feed on a variety of substrates, they also provide an opportunity to illuminate the evolution of termite diets. Here, we investigate the evolution of termitid mound building and diet, through a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of Australian Nasutitermitinae. Molecular dating analysis indicates that the subfamily has colonized Australia on three occasions over the past approximately 20 Myr. Ancestral-state reconstruction showed that mound building arose on multiple occasions and from diverse ancestral nesting habits, including arboreal and wood or soil nesting. Grass feeding appears to have evolved from wood feeding via ancestors that fed on both wood and leaf litter. Our results underscore the adaptability of termites to ancient environmental change, and provide novel examples of parallel evolution of extended phenotypes.
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Petipas, Renee H., and Alison K. Brody. "Termites and ungulates affect arbuscular mycorrhizal richness and infectivity in a semiarid savanna." Botany 92, no. 3 (March 2014): 233–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjb-2013-0223.
Abstract:
In savanna ecosystems, mound-building termites and ungulate herbivores profoundly affect the abundance and diversity of aboveground organisms. Yet, surprisingly little is known about how these two groups interact to impact belowground communities. Using the Kenya Long-term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE), where ungulate herbivores have been excluded for over 15 years, we examined how the presence of termites and ungulate herbivore exclusion affected species richness, community composition, and infectivity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We also measured plant richness and soil nutrients to examine how the effects of termites and ungulate exclusion may indirectly impact AMF communities. AMF richness and infectivity and plant richness were significantly lower on termite mounds than in off-mound areas. AMF infectivity and plant richness were significantly higher in off-mound areas, especially where herbivores had access. Our results revealed a strong suppressive effect of termites on AMF communities that was not enhanced or ameliorated by the presence of ungulate herbivores. Herbivores, by contrast, enhanced the relationship between plants and their fungal symbionts but only in the absence of the suppressive effects of termites. Our results underscore the importance of multiple drivers affecting the patterns of both above- and below-ground communities.
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Abensperg-Traun, Max, Dion Steven, and Lyn Atkins. "The influence of plant diversity on the resilience of harvester termites to fire." Pacific Conservation Biology 2, no. 3 (1995): 279. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc960279.
Abstract:
The harvester termites in floristically rich mallee-heath of southern Western Australia appear resilient to high-intensity fire. This contrasts with the temporary extinction of harvesters occupying a narrow food niche in floristically simple, intensely burnt spinifex Triodia angusta grassland in tropical Western Australia. The present study examines the effects of high-intensity fire on harvester termites Drepanotermes tamminensis in vegetation of intermediate floristic diversity and compares its findings with these earlier studies. We sampled 20 mounds (termitaria) in both an unburnt and (adjacent) burnt stand of Allocasuarina campestris shrubland. Although partially regenerated three years after the fire, 40% of mounds in the burnt area were abandoned, contrasting with 10% in the unburnt stand. No harvested chaff was found in any of the abandoned mounds. The extent of mound occupation by D. tamminensis was considerably lower, and ant invasion higher, in the burnt stand. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that high floristic diversity enhances the resilience of harvester termites to fire. The most likely mechanism is the availability of a range of plant (food) species with different regenerative responses to high-intensity fire. The death of spinifex and the associated harvester termites after fire may be atypical. We argue, however, that temporary extinction of harvester populations in arid Australia may not be exceptional, particularly where fire coincides with drought and high livestock grazing pressure. Rigorous experimental studies are necessary to enhance our understanding of the long-term effects of fire on harvester termite populations in different vegetation types and climatic zones.
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Debruyn, LAL, and AJ Conacher. "Soil modification by termites in the central wheat-belt of Western-Australia." Soil Research 33, no. 1 (1995): 179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9950179.
Abstract:
In a semi-arid region of Western Australia, in kwongan and open woodland, we examined the texture and selected chemical properties of two soil types, firstly in the mounds of two mound-building termite species (Drepanotermes tamminensis and Amitermes obeuntis) and secondly in the foraging galleries of D. tamminensis and A. neogermanus. The soil properties of the termite-modified soil were compared with soil unaffected by termite activity. It was found that both mounds and foraging galleries had significantly higher clay contents, increased organic carbon, and lower pH than the surface soil. The mean standing mass of D. tamminensis mounds was 5 Mg ha-1) on yellow sand (under kwongan vegetation) and 7 Mg ha-1) on grey sandy loam (under open woodland). However, this modified soil is predicted to be inaccessible for plant growth for a considerable period of time, since termite mound longevity could be as much as 70 years. In contrast, termite-modified soil from foraging galleries and chambers in the soil or soil sheetings covering food sources would be more readily accessible to the plant-soil ecosystem than modified soil materials in termite mounds.
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Noknoy, Royto, Sakone Sunantaraporn, Atchara Phumee, Padet Siriyasatien, and Sunisa Sanguansub. "Parasitism of Soldiers of the Termite, Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen), by the Scuttle Fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae)." Insects 11, no. 5 (May 21, 2020): 318. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects11050318.
Abstract:
Termites of the genus Macrotermes (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) are serious agricultural and structural pests, which also play vital roles in ecosystem functioning, and are crucial for the maintenance of tropical biodiversity. They are widely distributed, mainly in Southeast Asian countries; however, the parasitism of termites has been little researched. This research was conducted to identify and study the ecology of the parasitoids of termites at Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) soldier termites were collected from 25 mounds. In four of the 25 mounds, scuttle fly larvae were found inside the bodies of the soldier termites, and adult flies were found in all of the mounds. Some of the larvae successfully developed to pupae under laboratory conditions. The percentages of parasitized major soldier termites collected from the four mounds were 43.79%, 47.43%, 0.86%, and 3.49%, respectively, and the percentages of parasitized minor soldier termites were 0.64%, 0.00%, 0.21%, and 0.00%, respectively. Larvae, pupae, and adult flies were identified using both morphological and molecular identifications. Molecular identification used the partial nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. The results of both identification methods identified the parasitic Diptera as the scuttle fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae). The phylogenetic analysis of the 23 scuttle fly samples (11 larvae, 7 pupae, and 5 adults) classified them into two clades: (1) Those closely related to a previous report in India; (2) those related to M. scalaris found in Asia and Africa. This is the first discovery of M. scalaris in M. gilvus. Further investgation into termite parasitism by M. scalaris and its possible use in the biological control of termites is needed.
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Kumar, Pramod, A. Naveed, and Hosseti B.B. "Occurrence And Distribution Of Mound Building Termites In And Around Kuvempu University Campus, Shimoga, Karnataka State, India." Environment Conservation Journal 7, no. 1&2 (June 21, 2006): 11–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.36953/ecj.2006.071202.
Abstract:
Three mound building termites, viz., Odontotermes wallonensis, Odontotermes obesus and Odontotermes redemanni Roomwal and Chhotani (1960), were identified from Kuvempu University campus, Jnana Sahyadri and adjacent Bhadra reservoir area. The shape of the mound of O.obesus was conical and extended vertically, consisting of one or more hallow conical turrets erected on the surface of the ground. Royal chamber in the mounds was usually placed at the base just beneath the fungus garden. The structure of mound of O. wallonensis was dome shaped with one or more turrets extended horizontally the wall of the turret was thin and smooth. The shape of the turrets were more in number, scattered on the ground with numerous vaults. In the established old mounds the fungus garden was enclosed in the vaults. The shape of the fungus garden was dome shaped and its colour was blackish-brown. The location of the royal chamber was excentric.The mound of O. redemanni was dome shaped with one or more turrets extended horizontally, low in height without any buttresses. The outer mound wall was thick, solid and devoid of openings. The fungus garden was situated in separate chambers which served as egg depository. A well developed royal chamber was located below the ground level. The occurrence and distribution of termites and their mounds in the area revealed that the rich humidity and cellulose material available supported the high density of termites.
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Silva, Francisco de Assis da, Hélder Formiga Fernandes, Geuba Maria Bernardo da Silva, Dimítri de Araújo Costa, Martin Lindsey Christoffersen, Valdecir da Silva, and Gil Dutra Furtado. "Association between Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901) (Isoptera: Termitidae) with Pilosocereus gounellei (Weber ex Schum) Byles & Rowley (Cactaceae) at the Northeastern Brazil." Revista Brasileira de Gestão Ambiental e Sustentabilidade 4, no. 8 (2017): 289–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.21438/rbgas.040804.
Abstract:
Termites are important components of tropical ecosystems, as decomposers and for their outstanding role in feeding guilds. There are about 2,800 species of termites in terrestrial ecosystems, organized into seven families. Factors that determine abundance in termite colonies are soil type, quality of microhabitat, humidity, and availability of food resources. The species Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901) belongs to the Family Termitidae and to the Subfamily Nasutitermitinae. Termites in this taxon are characterized by building their nests in arboreal environments and rocks. Ecological interactions of termites and cactaceans are still scarcely studied. The research was done during the year of 2014, at the Experimental Station of the Federal University of Paraíba, located in the Municipality of São João do Cariri, State of Paraíba, Brazil. A quadrant with a total area of 2,500 m2 was delimited. Fifteen random samples of Pilosocereus gounellei (Weber ex Schum) Byles & Rowley containg termites, and 15 random samples without termites, were chosen. We report a previously unreported relationship between these organisms, and analize the relationship existing between the size of the cactaceans and the occurrence of termite mounds. We conclude that the relationship between the cactacean P. gounellei and the termite C. cyphergaster is one of herbivory of the later over the former. After consuming all the living tissues of the plants, the termites abandon the plant, because these cactaceans no longer provides the necessary conditions for the survival of termites. Xique-xique associated with termite mounds show visual signs of suffocating debilitation, leading to the total collapse of the cactaceans.
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Kagezi, Godfrey H., Veronica Twesigye, Janet K. Musasizi, Israel Ssebugenyi, Eunice Namara, Gyavira Ssenoga, Godfrey Sseremba, Judith Kobusinge, Gerald Kyalo, and Geofrey Arinaitwe. "Farmers’ Knowledge and Perception of the Pest Status and Management Options for Termites in Buikwe District, Central Uganda." East African Scholars Journal of Agriculture and Life Sciences 6, no. 10 (November 27, 2023): 174–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.36349/easjals.2023.v06i10.001.
Abstract:
Termites are known to be serious pests, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical countries, causing damage to crops, forestry and structures/buildings. To design and implement effective and environmentally-friendly termite management strategies, there is a need to consider farmers’ knowledge and experience in defining and setting priorities. We therefore conducted a survey in the coffee agro-ecology of Buikwe district, central Uganda to determine farmers’ knowledge on the damage caused and control options for termites. Farmers were aware of the damaged caused by the termites, with 85.8% of them mentioning damage to crops in the field as the most important. However, 43.4% of them were of the view that the proportion of the whole coffee garden damaged by termites was generally low (1-25%). More than half of the farmers mentioned that they first observed termites in their gardens in the last 15 years and maize was the most (97.1%) damaged crop. In addition to crops, farmers mentioned that termites were also attacking mulching material, particularly maize stover (47.2%) and buildings (66%). Most farmers mentioned that they observed highest termite damage in the dry season (30.2%), at hill top (35.8%) and in reddish soils (55.7%). Also, >70% of the farmers mentioned that termite damage was generally decreasing in their coffee gardens, mainly due to destruction of termite mounds and bushes (39.6%). Furthermore, 83% of the farmers mentioned that they had attempted to manage termites, with most of them (>70%) acknowledging using chemicals. In addition to chemicals, farmers also mentioned that they were using cultural-based options such as destroying termite nests or mounds (68.7%), queen removal (34.9%) and weeding (30.2%), among others to control termites. Furthermore, in attempting to manage the termites, farmers mentioned that they faced several challenges, with most (36.8%) of them claiming that termites are impossible to control. In conclusion therefore, farmers had k
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De Oliveira-Filho, Ary Teixeira. "Floodplain ‘murundus’ of Central Brazil: evidence for the termite-origin hypothesis." Journal of Tropical Ecology 8, no. 01 (February 1992): 1–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400006027.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT‘Campos de murundus’ are a typical landscape of Central Brazil characterized by countless rounded earthmounds (the ‘murundus’), which are covered by woody ‘cerrado’ (savanna) vegetation and are found scattered over a grass-covered surface (the ‘campo’). A detailed study was carried out in the region of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso on a particular campo de murundus (area of 5.065 ha) lying in a sedimentary depression where the earthmounds are true islands during the annual floods, allowing the colonization both by cerrado plants and by termites. The mounds were mapped and measured for their size and shape. Mounds' diameters ranged from 0.2 to 22.0 m and heights ranged from 0.1 to 1.1m. The 445 smaller mounds (< 0.8 m diameter) were found to have a clumped distribution, occupying 0.1% of the area. They are actually small termite nests built byArmitermes euamignathus. The 80 larger mounds (> 0.8 m diameter) were uniformly distributed, occupying 6.3%, of the area. These mounds are colonized byCornitermes snyderiandCornitermes bequaertiwhich build big termite nests on the summit of the mounds. Soil analyses indicated a close similarity between the campo and the surrounding cerrado whose soils had coarser texture and were poor in nutrients. Soils of the earthmounds and termite nests showed finer texture, lower pH and higher amounts of mineral nutrients. It is suggested here that this particular type of campo de murundus is formed mainly from the localized activity of nest-building by termites, followed by nest degradation, during many generations of termite colonies.
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Akpan, Akaninyene U., C. C. Ojianwuna, P. M. E. Ubulom, C. A. Yaro, and D. E. Oboho. "EFFECT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS ON THE ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF TERMITES AND OTHER ARTHROPODS IN TERMITE MOUNDS IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA." FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES 4, no. 2 (July 2, 2020): 92–100. http://dx.doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2020-0402-206.
Abstract:
Termites are generally regarded as pests, although they have some beneficial roles to play in the ecosystem, particularly in the soil. This study was conducted between January 2018 and April 2018, to determine the effect of physico-chemical parametrs on abundance and diversity of termites and other arthropods in termite mounds in Uinversity of Uyo Community. Soil samples were randomly collected from six termite mounds from two sites for physiochemical parameters analysis and these were temperature, pH, moisture content, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, sodium, potassium, manganese and iron.. The termites and other arthropods were preserved in 70% ethanol. Temperature and moisture content, copper, sodium and iron were significant. The results revealed that the physicochemical parameters affected the termite species abundance as station 1 (539) had relatively more of the termite species than station 2 (551), and also affected the diversity of the termites as station 1 (0.89) had relatively more diversity of the termites than station 2 (0.66). Also from the results, station 1 (2.06) had relatively more diversity of the other arthropod species identified in the study area than station 2 (1.59). Macrotermes bellicosus and Odontermes badius termite species were identified. Musca domestica, Anopheles gambiae, Lasius sp, Archispirostreptus sp, Camponotus sp, Missulena sp, Chorthippus sp, Acheta sp and Blatta orientalis were the other arthropods collected and identified. Macrotermes bellicosus (59.93 %; 63.52 %) was the most abundance and dorminant of the termite species identified in the study areas. Lasius sp (45; 25.93 %)
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Evans, Theodore A., and Patrick V. Gleeson. "Seasonal and daily activity patterns of subterranean, wood-eating termite foragers." Australian Journal of Zoology 49, no. 3 (2001): 311. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo00083.
Abstract:
Daily and seasonal changes in foraging activity of subterranean wood-feeding termites are not well known, but their subterranean habit is widely assumed to reduce the effect of the weather on their behaviour. The number of foraging Coptotermes lacteus in artificial feeding stations was examined over 24-h periods during summer and winter in temperate Australia. In summer, termites foraged disparately, with greater numbers found distant from the mounds, whereas in winter termites were clustered in very high numbers near the mounds. Daily patterns were seen in forager numbers: during summer, peaks occurred in late morning and late afternoon and troughs at dawn and noon, whereas in winter a peak occurred at noon and a trough at dawn. These patterns were associated with air and soil temperatures, which indicated that daily and seasonal weather patterns do influence subterranean wood-feeding termites. The foraging pattern is discussed with respect to predator behaviour and how the pattern might be used to infer positioning of cryptic nesting termite species.
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Moise, Akpesse Akpa Alexandre, Bassa Amenan N’Nezou Victoire, Diabate Dohouonan, Coulibaly Tenon, Kissi Therese Appoh Perrine, Koua Kouakou Herve, and Kouassi Kouassi Philippe. "Inventory of Termites and Biogenic Structures in the Forest Adjoining the "Palm Trees" Restaurant of Felix Houphouet-Boigny University Campus (Abidjan - South Cote D'ivoire)." International Research Journal of Insect Sciences 7, no. 1 (September 29, 2022): 34–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.18488/irjis.v7i1.3142.
Abstract:
Termites play an important ecological role. Thus, this study was carried out in the forest adjoining restaurant "the palm trees of the university campus of Cocody" to determine the species of termites and their impacts on the trees of this forest. Three transects of 100m long and 2m wide each subdivided into 20 sections and Tropical soil biology and fertility (TSBF) monoliths were developed. Then a systematic excavation was carried out along transects in search of termites. Then the plot containing transects was prospected in order to identify termite mounds and biogenic structures. After inventory, we identified 7 species of termites: Macrotermes bellicosus, Microtermes sp, Basidentitermes sp, Odontotermes sp, Pericapritermes sp, Amitermes guineensis and Ancistrotermes guineensis. Wood-feeders, fungus-growers and soil-feeders are the trophic groups found on the site. Fungus-growers were the group with the most species. We recorded a 25% attack rate on the trees from transects. A total of 13 nests were counted including 9 epigeal termite mounds and 4 arboreal nests. The low richness recorded shows that our plot is heavily anthropized. The conservation or maintenance of this site would allow species to recolonize this space.
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Green, Ben, Paul Bardunias, J. Scott Turner, Radhika Nagpal, and Justin Werfel. "Excavation and aggregation as organizing factors in de novo construction by mound-building termites." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 284, no. 1856 (June 14, 2017): 20162730. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.2730.
Abstract:
Termites construct complex mounds that are orders of magnitude larger than any individual and fulfil a variety of functional roles. Yet the processes through which these mounds are built, and by which the insects organize their efforts, remain poorly understood. The traditional understanding focuses on stigmergy, a form of indirect communication in which actions that change the environment provide cues that influence future work. Termite construction has long been thought to be organized via a putative ‘cement pheromone’: a chemical added to deposited soil that stimulates further deposition in the same area, thus creating a positive feedback loop whereby coherent structures are built up. To investigate the detailed mechanisms and behaviours through which termites self-organize the early stages of mound construction, we tracked the motion and behaviour of major workers from two Macrotermes species in experimental arenas. Rather than a construction process focused on accumulation of depositions, as models based on cement pheromone would suggest, our results indicated that the primary organizing mechanisms were based on excavation. Digging activity was focused on a small number of excavation sites, which in turn provided templates for soil deposition. This behaviour was mediated by a mechanism of aggregation, with termites being more likely to join in the work at an excavation site as the number of termites presently working at that site increased. Statistical analyses showed that this aggregation mechanism was a response to active digging, distinct from and unrelated to putative chemical cues that stimulate deposition. Agent-based simulations quantitatively supported the interpretation that the early stage of de novo construction is primarily organized by excavation and aggregation activity rather than by stigmergic deposition.
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Pinheiro, Liane Barreto Alves, Rodrigo Camara, Marcos Gervasio Pereira, Eduardo Lima, Maria Elizabeth Fernandes Correia, Cristiane Miranda Martins, Everaldo Zonta, and Carlos Eduardo Gabriel Menezes. "Effect of termite activity on soil under different land management strategies." Semina: Ciências Agrárias 38, no. 1 (March 2, 2017): 143. http://dx.doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n1p143.
Abstract:
Mound-building termites are important agents of soil bioperturbation, but these species have not been extensively studied thus far. The present study aimed to evaluate the soil particle-size and the chemical attributes of termite mounds and the surrounding soil under different land use strategies. A one-hectare plot was defined for an unmanaged degraded pasture, planted pasture, and for a eucalyptus Corymbia citriodora plantation. In each plot, the top, center, and base sections of five Cornitermes cumulans mounds, and the surrounding soil at the depths of 0-5; 5-10; 10-20 cm, were sampled in the Pinheiral, Rio de Janeiro state. In the three areas, the center of the mounds contained higher clay content, organic carbon, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium, total bases, and cation exchangeable capacity, when compared to the top, base, and the surrounding soils. However, the center had lower values of exchangeable acidity and potassium, of the three areas. In the eucalyptus plantation, the values of pH, total bases, calcium, and magnesium were lower, whereas aluminum, exchangeable acidity, sodium, and cation exchange capacity were higher both in the mounds and in the surrounding soil, in relation to the pastures. There were no differences among the three areas in terms of organic carbon, potassium, phosphorous, and total bases, in the mounds and adjacent soil. Thus, the termite activity altered the clay content and most of the soil chemical properties in all of the studied areas, but only for the center of the mounds. However, the effect of these organisms was different in the eucalyptus plantation in relation to the pasture areas.
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Jürgens, Norbert, Priscilla Sichone, Rasmus Revermann, Felicitas Gunter, and Jens Oldeland. "Macrotermes natalensis termite colonies in seasonally flooded savannas." Biodiversity & Ecology 7 (November 13, 2022): 340–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.7809/b-e.00373.
Abstract:
In seasonally inundated landscapes of southern central Africa very large termite mounds of Macrotermes natalensis offer a refuge for flood-intolerant trees during the flood season. In the matrix landscape surrounding these islands the seasonally waterlogged and then anaerobic soil conditions and the browsing by megaherbivores during the dry season allow for grass and herbaceous vegetation only. During the rainy season each termitarium forms an isolated island which due to its relative dryness allows survival of the trees and the associated fauna. During the dry season the termites try to establish new colonies with new mounds. However, the successful formation of new termitaria islands seems to be a rare event. In this case study from Dundumwezi in the Kafue National Park, Zambia, we provide a description of the termitaria islands and their vegetation. Furthermore, we analyse spatial patterns of termite mound islands in the surroundings of Kafue National Park und Bangweulu Plains / Kasanka National Park based on remote sensing imagery. Our results confirm that competition among colonies of large termitaria in homogeneous habitats causes very regular spatial patterns.
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King, Hunter, Samuel Ocko, and L. Mahadevan. "Termite mounds harness diurnal temperature oscillations for ventilation." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112, no. 37 (August 27, 2015): 11589–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1423242112.
Abstract:
Many species of millimetric fungus-harvesting termites collectively build uninhabited, massive mound structures enclosing a network of broad tunnels that protrude from the ground meters above their subterranean nests. It is widely accepted that the purpose of these mounds is to give the colony a controlled microclimate in which to raise fungus and brood by managing heat, humidity, and respiratory gas exchange. Although different hypotheses such as steady and fluctuating external wind and internal metabolic heating have been proposed for ventilating the mound, the absence of direct in situ measurement of internal air flows has precluded a definitive mechanism for this critical physiological function. By measuring diurnal variations in flow through the surface conduits of the mounds of the species Odontotermes obesus, we show that a simple combination of geometry, heterogeneous thermal mass, and porosity allows the mounds to use diurnal ambient temperature oscillations for ventilation. In particular, the thin outer flutelike conduits heat up rapidly during the day relative to the deeper chimneys, pushing air up the flutes and down the chimney in a closed convection cell, with the converse situation at night. These cyclic flows in the mound flush out CO2 from the nest and ventilate the colony, in an unusual example of deriving useful work from thermal oscillations.
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Guimaraes, Helena Ipe Pinheiro, Renata Henrique Santana, Rafaella Silveira, Otavio Henrique Bezerra Pinto, Betania Ferraz Quirino, Cristine Chaves Barreto, Mercedes Maria da Cunha Bustamante, and Ricardo Henrique Krüger. "Seasonal Variations in Soil Microbiota Profile of Termite (Syntermes wheeleri) Mounds in the Brazilian Tropical Savanna." Microorganisms 8, no. 10 (September 27, 2020): 1482. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8101482.
Abstract:
Eusocial animals, such as the termites, often build a nest-like structure called a mound that provides shelter with stable internal conditions and protection against predators. Termites are important components of the Brazilian Cerrado biota. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial community composition and diversity of the Syntermes wheeleri termite-mound soil using culture-independent approaches. We considered the vertical profile by comparing two different mound depths (mound surface and 60 cm) and seasonality with samplings during the rainy and dry seasons. We compared the mound soil microbiota to the adjacent soil without the influence of the mound to test the hypothesis that the Cerrado soil bacterial community was more diverse and more susceptible to seasonality than the mound soil microbiota. The results support the hypothesis that the Cerrado soil bacterial community is more diverse than the mound soil and also has a higher variability among seasons. The number of observed OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) was used to express bacterial richness, and it indicates that soil moisture has an effect on the community distribution and richness of the Cerrado samples in comparison to mound samples, which remain stable across seasons. This could be a consequence of the protective role of the mound for the termite colony. The overall community taxonomic profile was similar between soil samples, especially when compared to the taxonomic composition of the Syntermes wheeleri termite’s gut, which might be explained by the different characteristics and functionality between the soil and the gut microbial community.
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Kaur, Gurjeet T., Anantharaju S. Gajalakshmi, and S. A. Abbasi. "Lab studies on trail following behavior of the termite Hypotermes obscuriceps towards 2-Phenoxyethanol." International Journal of Entomological Research 6, no. 2 (December 3, 2018): 49–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.33687/entomol.006.02.2315.
Abstract:
Hypotermes obscuriceps is the most abundant of termite species found in North-eastern Puducherry. It has been seen to assimilate ligninous waste kept for degradation in the termireactors designed earlier by the authors by the process of termigradation. Termigradation is a termite-based biodegradation process and involves attracting termites towards the ligninous waste in specially designed reactors. Such reactors are kept in pits or aboveground near termite mounds. In order to increase the number of termites that will move towards the feed kept in such termireactors, 2-Phenoxyethanol (2-PE) was explored in the laboratory for making trails that may attract H. obscuriceps. Five different concentrations of 2-PE, ranging from 0.1 to 0.0005% were explored and in controlled experiments, the numbers of termites that followed the trails made by these levels of 2-PE as a function of time were determined. It was seen that all the trails that contained 2-PE attracted H. obscuriceps and none was toxic to termites for the first 60 minutes.
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Bekele, Abinet, Sheleme Beyene, Alemayehu Kiflu, and Fantaw Yimer. "Genesis and Classification of Termite-Mediated Soils along Toposequences in a Semiarid Area of Southeast Ethiopia." Applied and Environmental Soil Science 2023 (January 27, 2023): 1–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/7150907.
Abstract:
Despite the ecosystem functioning they provide, termite pedoturbation along toposequence is overlooked in the genesis of semiarid soils. Therefore, we aimed to describe morphological and physicochemical properties that lead to the classification of termite-mediated soils. In this study, representative pedons, one on each slope class, were described and classified for five different topographical positions, and the soil properties of genetic horizons were compared to those obtained from respective mounds. The result showed that the soils were heavily manipulated by termites except for the pedon at the toe slope. Cambisols were formed on the summit and back slope and resulted from slow pedogenic processes. Luvisols on the toe slope showed redoximorphic features, and gleization and clay synthesis formed the soil, while the upward movement of coarse particles enhanced textural differentiation. Luvisols at the foot of the slope are formed by the partial destruction of iron-bearing minerals accompanied by eluviation-illuviation processes. Accumulation of calcium carbonate following calcification formed Calcisols on the bottom slope. Comparing the mounds and reference pedons, much of the mound’s soil is mined from the subsoil, usually from B horizons. However, their influence on soil properties depended mainly on the topography. Moreover, the morphological and physicochemical properties of the studied pedons exhibited various degrees of variation along topography and clearly showed topographic effects. In conclusion, termites can be a potent mediator of soil genesis across toposequences, and their activities should be considered in the classification and management of semiarid soils. A further retrospective examination of micromorphological evidence is recommended to support this finding.
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Boafo, Hettie, Siegfried Affedzie-Obresi, Dossou Gbemavo, Victor Clottey, Emmanuel Nkegbe, Gabriel Adu-Aboagye, and Marc Kenis. "Use of Termites by Farmers as Poultry Feed in Ghana." Insects 10, no. 3 (March 13, 2019): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects10030069.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to gather information on the use of termites by farmers as feed for indigenous poultry in Ghana and factors affecting its use. We conducted surveys in four regions in Ghana to collect information, by the administration of questionnaires, on the use of termites as poultry feed, termite species collected, species not used and collection methods. Samples of termite species mentioned were collected and identified to the genus level. Twenty-three percent and 19% of farmers mentioned that termites are always or often used to feed poultry whereas 11% never use termites. A binomial regression analysis showed that their utilization was affected by region, sex, education, farm size and income. Termites collected belonged to eight genera, the main ones being Macrotermes, Trinervitermes and Odontotermes. Five collection methods are used to obtain termites and involve either breaking mounds or using containers as traps. Collection methods vary with species and region and the abundance of termite genera varies with season. Farmers identified some species as poisonous to poultry. Termites are important in indigenous poultry production because they are a readily available protein source for local farmers. However, better collection methods need to be developed to aid their optimal use.
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Iqbal, N., and T. A. Evans. "Evaluation of fipronil and imidacloprid as bait active ingredients against fungus-growing termites (Blattodea: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae)." Bulletin of Entomological Research 108, no. 1 (May 3, 2017): 14–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s000748531700044x.
Abstract:
AbstractFungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae) are important pests in tropical countries. They are difficult to control with existing baiting methods, as chitin synthesis inhibitors are not effectual as active ingredients. We tested two neurotoxins, fipronil and imidacloprid, as potential bait active ingredients against Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) in Singapore. In laboratory bioassays, M. gilvus showed no preference for doses of 0–64 ppm fipronil, or for doses of 0–250 ppm imidacloprid, indicating no repellence. We tested each insecticide in toilet paper as a bait matrix in a field experiment. After 28 days, termites had eaten 5–13% of the fipronil treated toilet paper, abandoned bait and monitoring stations, contacted no new stations, and repaired poorly their experimentally damaged mounds. Termites ate no imidacloprid treated toilet paper, abandoned bait stations although contacted new stations, and repaired fully their damaged mounds. Termites ate 60–70% of the control toilet paper, remained in bait stations, and fully repaired damaged mounds. After 56 days, all five fipronil colonies were eliminated, whereas all of the imidacloprid and control colonies were healthy. The results suggest that fipronil could be an effective active ingredient in bait systems for fungus-growing termites in tropical countries.