Abstract
Termites are social insects that inhabit colonies in the soil. Termites feed on a wide range of plants found within diverse habitats of Luanda Sub-County. This study aimed at assessing feed preference of edible termites and analyzing their phytochemical composition. Termites were exposed to ten different test plants in their natural habitats to assess feed preference. Forty-seven study sites were selected as they had high termite abundance from previous studies. The test plants were Grevillea robusta, sugarcane, maize, blue citronella grass, Eucalyptus, mango, avocado, neem, bamboo and a mixture of all the ten plants. Small pits were dug in the ground where the ten treatments were placed and replicated four times each. The test plants were placed in the evening then covered with soil block. The number of termites feeding on the test plants was counted after 12 hours the following day. There were separate trials for crushed and uncrushed feed substrates. The feed substrates that showed high feed preference was selected for phytochemical analysis. The plants whose crude extract was obtained were Grevillea robusta, bamboo, Eucalyptus, cypress, maize and sugarcane. The results for this study were analysed using one-way ANOVA. The study revealed that crushed feed substrates had a high level of feed preference by termites p a. Phytochemical analysis of the crude plant extracts revealed that Eucalyptus had the highest number of phytochemicals present 9 out of 12. The identified phytochemicals were saponins, tannins, alkaloids, resins, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, phenols and flavones.
Highlights
Edible termites are used as food and feed in many parts of the world [1] [2]
The feed substrates that showed high feed preference was selected for phytochemical analysis
This study envisaged to find out how termites respond to different plant substrates as food
Summary
Edible termites are used as food and feed in many parts of the world [1] [2]. There are many termite species across diverse habitats in the world [3]. Termites forage on many plants found within those habitats for their dietary requirements. The choice of plants to forage on by termites is influenced by the attraction of the termite towards the plant. Plants produce phytochemicals that differ in quality and composition [4]. Some plants have a strong attraction to termites than others. In a study conducted by [5] in Arusha region of Tanzania, termites were reported to attack crops, and trees in homesteads and in the forests
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