Field Activity of Reticulitermes grassei (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Oak Forests of the Southern Iberian Peninsula

Ana M Cardenas,Lourdes Moyano,Patricia Gallardo,Juan M Hidalgo

doi:10.13102/sociobiology.v59i2.613

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary data on the field activity of Reticulitermes grassei Clément in oak forests of the southern Iberian Peninsula. Recent research has provided information on the nature and intensity of termite damage to cork oaks (Quercus suber, L.) in northern Andalusia (Spain). Taking that information into account, the present study sought to determine annual field activity pattern in R. grassei, with a view to identifying more precisely the best time for applying control techniques. Data were obtained from field monitoring experiments conducted over a complete one-year cycle using termite-specific baited traps. Results for relative termite numbers at different periods indicated that forest activity was most intense in mid-summer, whilst the surface foraging area was greatest from late summer to early fall, peaking after the first autumnal rains. The findings of this study may help to enhance the efficacy of termite bait treatments in natural environments, since baits decay and lose effectiveness over time, and are also dispersed by the termites themselves. Accurate information on peak termite activity periods would enable products to be applied in most favorable timing, thus optimizing the results of treatment.

Highlights

Termites are social insects that cause major damage to wooden structures in urban environments, but they form part of natural ecosystems (Haverty & Sunden-Bylehn 2000), where their most obvious role is in decomposition and in determining specific pathways for the subsequent humification and mineralization of residual materials (Bignell & Eggleton 2000).Given the cryptic behavior of termites, they tend to go unnoticed until the damage they cause has become highly manifest and their foraging territories are widespread
The plot is located in central Sierra Morena, belongs to the “Los Baldíos” farm (UTM coordinates 30S 0335094- 4200826) and is part of the Recovery Management Program linked to the construction of the Breña II dam (Cárdenas et al 2008)
Reticulitermes grassei field activity was analyzed in terms of changes in activity patterns and changes in the area of surface activity over time

Summary

Introduction

Termites are social insects that cause major damage to wooden structures in urban environments, but they form part of natural ecosystems (Haverty & Sunden-Bylehn 2000), where their most obvious role is in decomposition and in determining specific pathways for the subsequent humification and mineralization of residual materials (Bignell & Eggleton 2000). Given the cryptic behavior of termites, they tend to go unnoticed until the damage they cause has become highly manifest and their foraging territories are widespread. Dry wood termites: require no contact with the ground, live in trees, usually in the treetops, and tolerate low environmental humidity. Subterranean termites: numerous in many parts of the world, living and reproducing in soil and feeding mainly on wood. Some subterranean termites can build epigeal nests, and are major pests in towns and cities

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