Habitat selection by arboreal termites in forest islands of a Neotropical floodplain

Abstract

1Since habitat characteristics can be essential for protection from predators and weather, the selection of the appropriate habitat can determine the success of colonization and therefore strongly influence the local ecosystem. Therefore, the habitat selection by termites can help to understand their role in forest ecosystems. 2These characteristics can influence the habitat choice, since they may provide more food availability, protection against rain, high temperatures, and predators. 3Here, I evaluated whether trunk inclination, bark thickness and roughness, and tree size influence habitat selection by arboreal termites in 16 forest islands (locally called capão) in a Neotropical floodplain. 4Inclination and tree size influenced the presence of termites on the trunks. However, I did not detect any influence of tree bark thickness and roughness on termite occurrence. The higher occurrence of termites on bigger and more leaning trees indicate that the availability of resources and the protection against weather elements and predators are the primary stimuli for the selection of these habitats.