Abstract
This study surveyed the termite fauna in urban properties of the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Six-hundred properties were inspected in search for termites or signs of their activity, such as abandoned nests, galleries on walls, and fecal pellets. Seven termite species, belonging to seven genera and three families (Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, and Termtidae) were found causing some type of damage. Nasutitermes corniger and Cryptotermes dudleyi were the most frequent species within buildings (82.4% and 9.5 %, respectively). Such species, along with Coptotermes gestroi, were responsible for the greatest damage recorded. With the exception of Cryptotermes dudleyi and Coptotermes gestroi, all of the species are native and relatively common in northeastern Brazil’s Atlantic forest.
Highlights
Termites are mainly distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions
In South America there are approximately 400 termite species, of which 77 have already been recorded in environments altered by human activity; only about 5% of the South American species have real pest potential in agricultural or urban areas (Constantino 2002)
The urbanization process has caused a gradual substitution of natural habitats for urban spaces. This causes the local eradication of several termite species and favors the selection or installation of synanthropic species that may become pests (Milano 1998, Milano & Fontes 2002, Vasconcellos & Bandeira 2006)
Summary
The urbanization process has caused a gradual substitution of natural habitats for urban spaces. This causes the local eradication of several termite species and favors the selection or installation of synanthropic species that may become pests (Milano 1998, Milano & Fontes 2002, Vasconcellos & Bandeira 2006). Eleven termite species have been recorded causing some type damage within buildings (Bandeira et al 1998, Vasconcellos et al 2002). Serpa (1993) has listed three termite genera (Coptotermes, Cryptotermes, and Nasutitermes), without citing the species, causing damage to buildings in several points of the city. Little is known about urban termites of the city of Recife. Serpa (1993) has listed three termite genera (Coptotermes, Cryptotermes, and Nasutitermes), without citing the species, causing damage to buildings in several points of the city. Milano & Fontes (2002) have reported the occurrence of Coptotermes gestroi (Wasman) damaging the woodwork of Recife’s warehouses
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