Sociobiology: Volume 39, Number 3, 2002
Feature Articles:
Exterior-Targeted Liquid Termiticides: An Alternative Approach to Managing Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Buildings
By Michael F. Potter & Anne E. Hillery
ABSTRACT
Data presented herein indicate that subterranean termite infestations can be eliminated by applying non-repellent liquid termiticides solely around the exterior perimeter of buildings. Foraging activity was extensively monitored on the interior and exterior of 12 structures heavily infested with the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Monitoring methods before and after an exterior-only application of either Termidor® (fipronil) or Premise® (imidacloprid) were similar to those used to assess the effects of baits on termite populations. Substantial, and often rapid reductions in termite foraging activity were observed, particularly with Termidor. Of the eight structures treated with Termidor, 40 of 43 infested monitoring stations within 0.3 to 4.0 m of the exterior treated trench were inactive within three months. Dead and decaying termites were found in several monitored locations, further suggesting that effects extend inward and well beyond the exterior site of application. Termite activity within monitoring stations was less affected by exterior Premise applications, although visible activity involving structural components eventually ceased. Potential implications and benefits of exterior-targeted liquid applications relative to the future of termite control are discussed.
KEY WORDS: Subterranean termite, non-repellent termiticide, perimeter application
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Nest of Tropical Paper Wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga Occupied and Modified by Polistes ferreri (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in South-Eastern Brazil
By F. Prezoto, M.A. P. Lima & F.R. Andrade
ABSTRACT
This study describes the occupation and modification of an abandoned nest of Mischocyttarus cassununga by females of Polistes ferreri, from September 22 to October 14, 1999. The wasps of P. ferreri, adapted the nest to its needs, enlarging the diameter of ten cells of the nest of M. cassununga, which later showed the presence of eggs and larvae of the invading species.
KEY WORDS: Polistes ferreri, Mischocyttarus cassunuga, Nest occupation, Paper wasp
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Control of Foraging Colonies of Subterranean Termites, Coptotermes travians (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Malaysia Using Hexaflumuron Baits
By Chow-Yang Lee
ABSTRACT
Coptotermes travians (Haviland) is one of the most important subterranean termite pest species attacking urban buildings and structures in Malaysia. Two colonies of C. travians infesting residential premises (Colony A & B), and another one in a natural habitat (Colony C) were characterized. Foraging territories ranged between 125-384 m2, with maximum foraging distances of 17-32 m per colony. At pre-baiting, mean wood consumption were recorded at 526.4 g month-1, 478.2 g month-1 and 643.7 g month-1 for colony A, B and C, respectively. Colony sizes for the three colonies were estimated using a triple mark-recapture method. Colony size ranged between 3.2 x 105 to 1.3 x 106 workers. Baiting against colony A and B was done using both in-ground and above-ground hexaflumuron baits, while only in-ground baiting was executed against colony C. The baits caused a substantial reduction in wood consumption rate in independent monitoring stations within 34-44 days post-baiting. At this stage, more soldiers were observed with a small number of workers. No termite activity was visible in the independent monitoring stations, as well as the bait stations at 49, 55 and 62 days post-baiting for colony C, A and B, respectively. Some challenges of baiting subterranean termites in Malaysia are discussed.
KEY WORDS: subterranean termites, Coptotennes travians, foraging colonies, baiting, hexaflumuron baits, Malaysia
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Preliminary Studies on Agonistic Behavior between Colonies of Coptotermes havilandi (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae) in Laboratory Bioassays
By Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo, Célia Regina R. De Camargo-Dietrich & Alberto Arab
ABSTRACT
Intercolonial aggression is being used to delimit foraging territory in termite species of subterranean termites. The advance of the introduced pest termite Coptotermes havilandi Holmgren in the interior of São Paulo State is increasing its economic impact as well as its interspecific and intraspecific competition in Brazil. In order to evaluate the intraspecific agonism among different colonies collected in urban areas of São Paulo State were set up a series of preliminary bioassays. Different combination of nestmates from field colonies of C. havilandi of Rio Claro city showed lack of agonistic behavior. Nevertheless, encounters among individuals from São Paulo and Rio Claro cities showed agonistic behaviors. These preliminary results suggest that caution should be taken in using intercolonial aggression to delimit the foraging territory of C. havilandi colonies in São Paulo State.
KEY WORDS: intraspecific competition, agonistic behavior, nestmate recognition, subterranean termites, Coptotermes, Isoptera
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Foraging Site Fidelity of Atta Sexdens (Hymenoptera-Formicidae) in a Laboratory Colony
By K. Kitayama, M.G. Gramacho, J.D. Hay & M. Pic
ABSTRACT
We tested fungus chamber fidelity and consequently foraging site fidelity of the leaf-cutter ant Atta sexdens in a colony that was developed in the laboratory from an imago collected on the Campus of the University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil. The experiments were performed with ants from two fungus chambers connected to each other. Each chamber had an individual foraging tray, and experiments were performed by painting and then exchanging the ants between foraging trays. We observed that, at least, the laboratory colony ants showed a tendency toward fidelity to the fungus chamber, and therefore to their foraging tray.
KEY WORDS: Atta sexdens, foraging behavior, Formicidae, laboratory experiment, odor fidelity, patch fidelity, site fidelity, trail fidelity
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A Quantitative Survey of Termites in a Gradient of Disturbed Highland Forest in Northeastern Brazil (Isoptera)
By Adelmar G. Bandeira & Alexandre Vasconcellos
ABSTRACT
Termite populations were quantitatively surveyed in three habitats - a primary and secondary forests and a banana plantation - at a highland evergreen forest (Brejo dos Cavalos), southeast of Caruaru, State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Density and biomass, by species, were measured in soil, dead wood and nests. Individuals were separated into wood-feeders, soil-feeders, intermediate-feeders (interface wood- and soil-feeders), and leaf-feeders. The number of species decreased from the primary to the secondary forest, and further in the plantation. Higher densities and biomass were found in the primary forest with at least 4.8 thousand individuals per square meter or 48 million per hectare, and 13 g m-2 or 132 kg ha-1 (fresh weight), and there were 2.7 and 10.9 times less individuals (3.5 and 5.5 times less biomass) in the secondary forest and in the plantation, respectively. There were 107 times more soil-feeders than wood-feeders in the primary forest, this rate decreasing to 1.1 and 0.7 in the secondary forest and in the plantation, respectively. Like soil-feeders, most intermediate-feeders were also found only in the primary forest, while all leaf-feeders were found only in the plantation. Among the microhabitats, most individuals were found in the soil, followed by nests/mounds and then by dead wood in the three habitats. In the soil, most individuals were found 10-20 cm deep in primary and in the secondary forests, while in the plantation the most populous layer was that one from 20-30 cm. The nine species living exclusively in the soil were present at a depth of 10-20 cm. Decrease in species richness and reduction of humus- and intermediate-feeder populations was strongly associated with levels of vegetation disturbance, showing that termites are appropriate indicator insects of environmental quality.
KEYWORDS: Termites, NE Brazil, highland forest, density, biomass, species richness
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Invertebrate Taxa Associated with Subterranean Termite Monitoring Devices in The Eastern Midwest
By Michael Scharf, Eileen A. Buss, Catina R. Ratliff, Dean J. Brad & Gary W. Bennett
ABSTRACT
Non-target invertebrate taxa were collected from underground termite monitoring stations in Indiana. Three habitats were studied in the absence of termites (wooded areas, homes < 10-yr. old, and homes >30-yr. old). For validative purposes, one additional site with an active termite population was evaluated. Each habitat had unique conditions that apparently supported the existence of different invertebrate taxa. Ants and earthworms were the only non-target taxa not observed in the same stations with termites. Of these two taxa, we conclude the ants are the most important with respect to inter-specific antagonism. Ants were most highly associated with termite monitoring stations that were (1) placed in wooded habitats and (2) remained unchecked for long periods of time. As a result, we recommend several measures for consideration by pest management professionals to improve the efficacy of termite baiting programs.
KEY WORDS: termite, baiting, Sentricon, non-target invertebrates, non-target arthropods
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A Reexamination of the Systematic Position of Amitermes brevicorniger, with the Description of a New Genus (Isoptera, Termitidae, Termitinae)
By Reginaldo Constantino, Jorge Liotta & Beatriz Giacosa
ABSTRACT
The systematic position of the South American termite Amitermes brevicorniger is reexamined through the analysis of the morphology of soldiers, workers and digestive tube. The characters examined do not support its inclusion neither in genus Amitermes nor in Synhamitermes, and a new genus, Onkotermes, is described to accommodate this species. This species clearly belong to the Amitermes-group, but its affinities within this group are unclear. The species is redescribed and illustrated, with biological notes and new distribution records.
KEY WORDS: Amitermes, Onkotermes, Synhamitermes, taxonomy, termites
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Effect of Argentine Ant Invasions on Japanese Ant Fauna in Hiroshima Prefecture, Western Japan: A Preliminary Report (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
By Koh-suke Miyake, Takeshi Kameyama, Takashi Sugiyama & Fuminori Ito
ABSTRACT
Effects of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile on the resident ant fauna were investigated in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan. Argentine ants are widespread in lowland areas of Hatsukaichi City and westernmost Hiroshima City. The Argentine ant invasion has remarkably reduced species richness of resident ants. Among 11 common epigeic species, nine species were vulnerable to Argentine ants, whereas Paratrechina sakurae and Camponotus vitiosus appeared less affected by this invasion.
KEY WORDS: Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, distribution, biological invasion, Hiroshima
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Composition-Dependent & Density-Dependent Seed Removal Rates in the Harvester Ant Messor barbarus
By Reyes-López, J. L. & J. Fernández-Haeger
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effect of relative density and composition of locally available seed species on selection criteria in the harvester ant M. barbarus. The study method was based on the use of cafeteria-style feeding experiments. Results suggest that this species tends to gather the most plentiful seeds, although selection may be modified by other factors such as seed mass. General bait composition, or "seed environment" also proved to be a major factor in selection: gathering-rates increased in the presence of strongly-preferred seeds, an increase observed even in the case of "rare" or low-density seeds. All this enables evaluation of the effect of this species on the plant community.
KEY WORDS: foraging, seed preferences, seed environment, seed density, seed size
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The Diversity and Abundance of Termites (Isoptera) in the Urban Area of Bangkok, Thailand
By Chirasak Klangkaew, Tetsushi Inoue, Takuya Abe, Yoko Takematsu, Toshiaki Kudo, Napavarn Noparatnaraporn & Nit Kirtibutr
ABSTRACT
We examined the diversity and abundance of termites in Bangkok, which was divided into city center area and suburban area according to the magnitude of urbanization. We found 9 species of termites in each area, comprised of 1 species of Rhinotermitidae and 8 species of Termitidae. The abundance of termites in the suburban area was significantly higher than the city area in almost all species. Macrotermitinae was richest in species number in each area. Simultaneously we collected termites from 100 infested houses in each area. We found 5 species of termites in houses of suburban area and 2 species in city center area. Coptotermes gestroi was the most abundant species not only in houses, but also around houses.
KEY WORDS:
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Occurrence of Overiaetia excisicollis Blair (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Amarygmini) Together with Macrotermes vitriolatus (Isoptera)
By H. J. Bremer
ABSTRACT
Not Submitted
KEY WORDS:
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