Identification of Termites (Insecta: Isoptera) from Anthropogenic Area in Universitas Andalas Campus Complex, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Termites (Insecta: Isoptera) have been long recognized as pest insects as they can cause damage on wooden structures. It is highly required to know various aspects regarding this insect group in order to mitigate its destruction. This research initiated the identification of termites infested wooden structures in Universitas Andalas campus complex, Limau Manis, Padang, West Sumatra. It had been conducted from March to July 2020 where the specimens were collected by direct sampling method. A total of seven species from seven genera, four subfamilies and two families of termites were identified in this research. Termitidae became the family with the highest species number (five species) over Rhinotermitidae that only with two species. At the subfamily level, it could be ranked and specified as Nasutitermitinae (three species), followed by Macrotermitinae (two species), Rhinotermitinae and Coptotermitinae (one species each). This finding confirmed the existence of termites within anthropogenic environment such as concrete buildings complex. This confirmation exposed potential damage possessed by termites to the wooden structures within the complex. The presence of termite species in Universitas Andalas environment should initiate proper mitigation and maintenance plans in order to structurally preserve the campus complex.