Ancistrotermes Cavithorax Research Articles

Use of the proteomic tool MALDI-TOF MS in termite identification

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has proved effective for the identification of many arthropods. A total of 432 termite specimens were collected in Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Switzerland and France. Morphologically, 22 species were identified, including Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Amitermes evuncifer, Cryptotermes brevis, Cubitermes orthognathus, Kalotermes flavicollis, Macrotermes bellicosus, Macrotermes herus, Macrotermes ivorensis, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Microcerotermes parvus, Microtermes sp., Odontotermes latericius, Procubitermes sjostedti, Promirotermes holmgreni, Reticulitermes grassei, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Reticulitermes santonensis, Trinervitermes geminatus, Trinervitermes occidentalis, Trinervitermes togoensis, Trinervitermes sp., Trinervitermes trinervoides and Trinervitermes trinervius. Analysis of MALDI-TOF MS spectra profiles from termites revealed that all were of high quality, with intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity. Blind testing of the spectra of 389 termites against our updated database with the spectra of 43 specimens of different termite species revealed that all were correctly identified with log score values (LSVs) ranging from 1.65 to 2.851, mean 2.290 ± 0.225, median 2.299, and 98.4% (383) had LSVs > 1.8. This study is the first on the use of MALDI-TOF for termite identification and shows its importance as a tool for arthropod taxonomy and reinforces the idea that MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool in the field of entomology.

Termites (Blattodea Latreille 1810, Termitoidae Latreille 1802) of Abuko Nature Reserve, Nyambai Forest Park and Tanji Bird Reserve (The Gambia).

From 28 October to 5 November 2013, a termite study was undertaken in 3 protected sites in The Gambia (West Africa). The aim of the study is to investigate the diversity of termites in three protected areas in the western region of the country. Termite sampling is carried out in 100 m × 2 m transects that are replicated three (3) times in each site. A total of thirty-one (31) termite species, that belong to fungus growing (11), harvester (1), humuvorous (12) and xylophagous (7), were recorded. The following nineteen (19) species are new to The Gambia: Coptotermes intermedius, Astalotermes near quietus, Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Macrotermes bellicosus, Microtermes grassei, M. lepidus, M. subhyalinus, Odontotermes erraticus, O. pauperans, O. sudanensis, Basidentitermes sp., Euchilotermes tensus arcuata, Noditermes cristifrons, Amitermes evuncifer, Amitermes spinifer, Microcerotermes fuscotibialis, Microcerotermes near parvulus, Microcerotermes near solidus and Promirotermes holmgreni. Additional description and/or ecological information on Odontotermes erraticus, Cubitermes severus, Cubitermes n. proximatus, Euchilotermes tensus arcuata, Basidentitermes sp., and Noditermes cristifrons are given.

Importance of Protected Areas for Biodiversity Conservation in Central Côte D'ivoire: Comparison of Termite Assemblages between Two Neighboring Areas Under Differing Levels of Disturbance

To highlight human impact on biodiversity in the Lamto region, termites were studied with regard to their use as bio-indicators of habitat change in the tropics. Using a standardized method, termites were sampled in the three most common habitat types, i.e., in semi-deciduous forest, savanna woodland, and annually burned savanna, all inside Lamto Reserve and its surrounding rural domain. Termite species richness fell from 25 species in the Lamto forest to 13 species in the rural area, involving strong modification in the species composition (species turnover = 59 %). In contrast, no significant change in diversity was found between the Lamto savannas and the rural ones. In addition, the relative abundance of termites showed a significantly greater decline in the rural domain, even in the species Ancistrotermes cavithorax (Sjöstedt) (Isoptera: Termitidae), which is known to be ecologically especially versatile. Overall, the findings of this study suggest further investigation around Lamto Reserve on the impact of human activities on biodiversity, focusing on forest conversion to land uses (e.g. agricultural and silvicultural systems).

Nests of subterranean fungus‐growing termites (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae) as nutrient patches for grasses in savannah ecosystems

AbstractSavannah are ecosystems in which mineral nitrogen is considered as a limiting factor for plant productivity. They are heterogeneous and spatially structured in patches, or islands, where mineral nitrogen content is concentrated. Among the soil macrofauna, termites of the Macrotermitinae subfamily are major determinants of soil heterogeneity through the biogenic underground nest structures (fungus‐comb chambers) they produce. To study the role of the heterogeneity created by termites on Pennisetum pedicellatum, an herbaceous grass species was grown in greenhouse. This was carried out using an homogeneous soil poor in mineral nitrogen, and an heterogeneous soil with patch, made of (i) Ancistrotermes cavithorax fungus‐comb chamber wall and (ii) soil with the same mineral nitrogen content as the termite handled soil. Plants exhibited a better growth on patch of termite‐modified soil whereas no significant differences were shown with the supply of mineral nitrogen. The presence of fungus‐comb chamber wall material resulted in an increase of fine root biomass and root/shoot ratio. We conclude that termites, through their building activities, may create nutrient patches available to grasses. Concurrently, our data illustrate that the higher mineral nitrogen content in termite‐built structures is not the only factor responsible for plant growth.

Effect of different termite feeding groups on P sorption and P availability in African and South American savannas

Nest structures of six termite species, four with epigeous (above-ground) and two with subterranean nests were analysed to find out how their building and feeding habits could be related to their nests phosphorus status compared with control soils. Termite nest structure was found to affect significantly the P status in savanna soils: mounds of the African Trinervitermes geminatus and the South American Nasutitermes ephratae (both grass-feeders) displayed a greater amount of available P, especially in the inner part of the nest, than the surrounding soil. The abundant quantities of dead grass material stored in the mound can explain the available soil P increase. A similar increase in P availability was also found for the soil-feeder Cubitermes severus. In mounds of Macrotermes bellicosus, on the other hand, there was a drastic increase in P sorption (and a corresponding decrease in available P) compared to adjacent soils, which was attributed to the building strategy of this species. M. bellicosus selected clay from subsoil to build its nest structure. The data obtained for the subterranean species Ancistrotermes cavithorax and Microtermes toumodiensis indicated also that there is an increase in P sorption in mounds when compared with associated topsoils. Consequently, the nest structures of only certain termite species should be considered, and utilised, as a soil amendment in place of fertilisers. This impact on the P cycle in savannas seems to be related to the termite feeding status and to the type of material utilised in nest building. This should be taken into account before using termite nest material in soil fertility status improvement.

Impact of subterranean fungus-growing termites (Isoptera, Macrotermitiane) on chosen soil properties in a West African savanna

Fungus-growing termites (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae) play an important role in tropical ecosystems in modifying soil physical properties. Most of the literature regarding the impact of termites on soil properties refers to termite epigeous mounds. In spite of their abundance and activity in African savannas, few studies deal with the properties of underground nest structures (fungus-comb chambers) built by subterranean Macrotermitinae termites. We tested whether these termites significantly modify the soil physico-chemical properties within their nests in a humid tropical savanna and whether these effects are different for two termite species with differing building behaviour. Termite-worked soil material was collected from fungus-comb chamber walls of two widespread species: Ancistrotermes cavithorax, which builds diffuse and ephemeral nests and Odontotermes nr pauperans, which most often builds concentrated and permanent nests for a comparatively much longer period of time. Neither species influenced soil pH but both significantly modified soil texture and C-N content in their nest structures. A strong impact on clay-particle size was also detected but no significant differences in clay mineralogy. Thus Odontotermes has a greater effect on soil properties, that could be explained by its building behaviour and the concentration in space of its nest units. Therefore, spatial pattern and life-span of fungus-comb chambers should be an important parameter to be considered in the functional role of subterranean Macrotermitinae termites in the savanna.

Association between subterranean termites and grasses in a West African savanna: spatial pattern analysis shows a significant role for Odontotermes n. pauperans

Fungus-growing termites (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae) play an important role in tropical ecosystems: they modify soil physical properties and thereby make food available for other organisms. These impacts justify considering the fungus-growing termites as ecosystem engineers. Fungus-growing termites have been classified in the same group because of their influence on soil properties. The aim of this work was to compare the influence of three fungus-growing termite species on the spatial pattern of some savanna grass species in a Guinean savanna (Côte d’Ivoire). Our study illustrates differences in the relationship between termite-built structures (fungus-comb chambers and lenticular mounds) and grasses. We suggest that Odontotermes n. pauperans can strongly influence the pattern of some grass species. Conversely, Microtermes toumodiensis and Ancistrotermes cavithorax appear to have no or little influences on grass species distribution, at the scale studied. Consequently, fungus-growing termites should not be regarded as a single functional group when considering their influence on grass communities.

Effect of underground fungus‐growing termites on carbon dioxide emission at the point‐ and landscape‐scales in an African savanna

Summary The rate of CO2 emission by two major termite species (Ancistrotermes cavithorax and Odontotermes n. pauperans) was studied in a West African savanna (Lamto, Côte d’Ivoire). First, in three major savanna types (grassy, shrubby and woody savannas), CO2 emission from the soil surface was measured using a closed container system. Control soil without termite fungus‐comb chambers, and soil of eroded termite mound with or without Odontotermes fungus‐comb chambers was sampled in each savanna type. Second, the mass‐specific respiration rate of the different components of termite fungus‐comb chambers (i.e. workers, soldiers, fungus comb and chamber walls) was measured under laboratory conditions. CO2 emission by termites at the landscape‐scale was computed from both field biomass data and laboratory measurements. Whatever the savanna type, CO2 emission from the soil surface was not different between control soil and soil of eroded termite mound without termite fungus‐comb chambers, but was significantly higher in areas with fungus‐comb chambers than in areas without fungus‐comb chambers (10–19 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1vs 5–10 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1). The mass‐specific respiration rates were higher for individuals of O. pauperans than for individuals of A. cavithorax. Total respiration rate from an individual fungus‐comb chamber was around 56 and 143 µmol CO2 h−1 for Ancistrotermes and Odontotermes, respectively. Despite a low mass‐specific respiration rate, fungus comb accounted for 51% of the total respiration flux from whole chambers in Odontotermes and for 82% in Ancistrotermes. The laboratory‐derived respiration rate from individual Odontotermes chambers was consistent with the field estimates. At the landscape‐scale, the CO2 emission due to A. cavithorax and O. pauperans was 0·022 and 0·050 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1, respectively. This total (27·2 g C m−2 years−1) represented 4·9% of the total above‐ground net primary production in this ecosystem and 11·3% of the carbon not mineralized by annual fires.

The role of subterranean fungus comb chambers (isoptera, macrotermitinae) in soil nitrogen cycling in a preforest savanna (côte divoire)

Stimulation of total microbial activity (CO 2 production), and soil organic nitrogen mineralization by the subterranean fungus-growing termite Ancistrotermes cavithorax was studied. Soil from the walls of the fungus comb chambers and control soil free from termite and root activities were sampled from the field and held at 28°C for 30 days. CO 2. NH + 4-N and NO − 3-N production were regularly measured. NO 3 −-N production was negligible and only ammonification occurred. The more the soil has been worked by termites, the greater the amounts of CO 2 and ammonia produced. This increased activity of microflora is probably related to the supply of energy-rich substrates by termites.

Distribution of Termitomyces and other fungi in the nests and major workers of several Nigerian macrotermitinae

The distribution of the symbiotic fungus Termiiomyces Heim and other fungi in the nests and major workers of the termites Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur), Microtermes grassei Ghidini, Microtermes lepidus Sjöstedt, Microtermes subhyalinus Silvestri, Microtermes sp. nov., Odontotermes smeathmani (Fuller) and Ancistrotermes cavithorax (Sjöstedt) was investigated. The isolation of Termiiomyces from forager faecal pellets indicated that Microtermes subhyalinus and Ancistrotermes incorporated Termitomyces into the foraged food material within the gut. Macrotermes subhyalinus had a different strategy for incorporating Termitomyces into the food material, as Termitomyces was not found in forager gut. Termitomyces was found in the digestive tract of nurse workers of all species examined. Other fungi found were mostly common soil fungi, which showed a reduction in number in Macrotermes subhyalinus from nest structure, to fresh comb, to old comb. The similarity of the fungal flora in soil, termites and fungus combs suggests that the fungi, other than Termitomyces and Xylaria are brought into the nest as contaminants by the termites.

ChemInform Abstract: TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF ANCISTROFURAN, A DEFENSIVE COMPOUND FROM THE TERMITE ANCISTROTERMES CAVITHORAX

AbstractAus dem Cyclohomocitral (I) und dem Furyllithium (II) entsteht ein 6:4‐Gemisch der Alkohole (III) und (IV), von denen (IV), wie im Formelschema angedeutet, in Ancistrofuran (VIII) übergeführt wird.

Predation by Megaponera foetens (Fabr.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on termites in the Nigerian southern Guinea Savanna.

At Mokwa, in the Nigerian southern Guinea Savanna, Macrotermitinae are the only recorded prey of the obligate termite predator, Megaponera foetens. The main prey species is Macrotermes bellicosus (141 termites m-2 a-1) followed by Odontotermes spp. (42 termites m-2 a-1). Predation on other species, Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Macrotermes subhyalinus and Microtermes spp., amounts to only 10 termites m-2 a-1. Macrotermes bellicosus is not the most abundant termite in the primary savanna. It is concluded that factors including termite abundance, termite foraging regimes and seasonality, termite biomass and the reactions of the ants to the termites and their products are involved in successful predation of termites by Megaponera.

Total synthesis of ancistrofuran, a defensive compound from the termite ancistrotermes cavithorax

The principal component of the defensive secretion from the major soldiers of the termite Ancistrotermes cavithorax has been shown to be ancistrofuran (1); this structural assignment has now been confirmed by detailed spectroscopic considerations and by total synthesis.

Recherches écologiques dans la savane de Lamto (Côte-d’Ivoire) : Données préliminaires sur le peuplement en termites

Data are given on the distribution and. numbers of termites, their fungus gardens and nests, in the Lamto savannas in the Ivory Coast. The termite populations at Lamto are dominated by four subterranean Macrotermitinae species : Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Microtermes toumodiensis, Pseudacanthotermes militaris and Odontotermes pauperans and by two foraging, mound-constructing Nasutitermitinae : Trinervitermes geminatus and T. togoensis. The poverty of humivorous species nests constitutes another salient feature of these populations. The density of termite colonies in Lamto depends on the water content of soils, soil texture and availability of food (cellulose).