Parameters that Influence the Establishment and Volume of Microcerotermes exiguus and Nasutitermes corniger Nests in an Atlantic Forest Fragment in Northeastern Brazil (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the parameters that influence the establishment and volume of Microcerotermes exiguus and Nasutitermes corniger nests in an Atlantic Forest fragment in northeastern Brazil. Between September and October 2011, five 1000 m² parcels (100 x 10 m; 10 m apart) were examined and the volume was estimated for all M. exiguus and N. corniger nests. Additionally, the following variables were measured: distance between nest and soil, height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of the supporting tree, and the minimum distance to the nearest nest. Data was checked for normality with the Shapiro-Wilk test and the variation between the parcels was calculated using the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. The analyses were carried out using Bioestat 5.0. A total of 72 nests were sampled, of which 59 belonged to M. exiguus and 13 to N. corniger. Species occurred in different strata, which prevented direct competition between the two. DBH had the greatest influence on colony volume.