Cryptotermes Cavifrons Research Articles

Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) of Canada, continental USA, and Mexico: an identification key to families and genera, checklist of species, and new records for Mexico

An illustrated identification key to the North American termite families and genera based mainly on the soldier caste is proposed. A checklist of termites (Insecta: Blattodea: Isoptera) of Canada, continental USA and Mexico is presented, listing 89 species (and two subspecies) grouped in 26 genera and four families. Five species are added to the Mexican termite fauna, these records are for the states of Campeche: Cryptotermes cavifrons; Quintana Roo: Cryptotermes cavifrons, Neotermes holmgreni, Neotermes phragmosus, Neotermes mona; Sonora: Incisitermes banksi; and Yucatan: Neotermes phragmosus. Other 32 new state records are made for the states of Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sonora, and Yucatan. The species Coptotermes crassus, Coptotermes havilandi, Incisitermes perparvus, Microcerotermes strunckii, Nasutitermes costalis, Incisitermes nigritus and Termes melindae are eliminated from the termite fauna of this region.

MONITORING THE TOXICITY OF DRY WOOD TERMITES USING THREE PLANT POWDERS IN LABORATORY CULTURE

In order to model a suitable control alternative for subterranean termites and termites infesting wooden furniture and cabinets where consumables are likely stored, this present study monitored the efficacy of three plant powders at different doses (0.50-1.50g) against the dry wood termite,Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks (Blattodea). Plant materials were locally prepared into powders and assigned to 20 wood termites in 5g substrates of sand and stick. The culture was set up in triplicates and lethal concentrations were determined by Probit analysis. The plant powder could not exerted 100% mortality, but the highest mortality was recorded in Dennettia tripetala (1.50g) on stick (mean= 8.33±0.80). All concentration of D. tripetala on sand and stick caused mortality within 0 to 48 hours after exposure and compared favorably with Permethrin which recorded the highest mean time mortality on sand at 0-24 hrs after exposure. The lowest LC50value (0.75 and 0.79g/g) corresponded to Permethrin and D. tripetala on sand and stick respectively. This results suggest that best concentrations of pepper fruit powder can be adopted as potential alternative to chemical powders.

A Comparison of Morphology among Four Termite Species with Different Moisture Requirements.

The thicknesses of the cuticle and rectal pads, and the spiracle morphology were compared for four termite species from different habitats, including one drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis Walker, one “wetwood” termite, Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks, one subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and one dampwood termite, Neotermes jouteli (Banks). Cuticle thicknesses were significantly different among all four termite species. Neotermes jouteli had the thickest cuticle, while Co. formosanus had the thinnest. The cuticle of C. brevis was thicker than that of C. cavifrons and Co. formosanus, which may reflect a comparably greater need to prevent water loss in drier habitats for C. brevis. Rectal pad widths were significantly different among all four termite species, except those of C. brevis with N. jouteli. The rectal pads of N. jouteli and C. brevis were thicker than those of C. cavifrons and Co. formosanus, and the rectal pads of C. cavifrons were thicker than those of Co. formosanus in turn. Larger rectal pads likely account for the water conservation mechanism of producing dry, pelleted frass in the kalotermitids (N. jouteli, C. brevis, and C. cavifrons). Morphological observations of the spiracles showed the presence of protuberances (atrial arms) in the three kalotermitids. The function of this protuberance is unclear, but it may serve as a sac-like structure, aiding in gas exchange, or a moisture trap aiding in the prevention of water loss through evaporation.

Survival of Termites (Isoptera) Exposed to Various Levels of Relative Humidity (RH) and Water Availability, and Their RH Preferences

Abstract Termites (Isoptera) are widely believed to be one of the most desiccation-prone insects. They must combat desiccation by locating and efficiently conserving water resources. Termites have evolved morphological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics that aid in the tolerance of desiccation. In 3 studies using 4 termite species, water loss tolerance and relative humidity (RH) preferences of termites exposed to 5 different RH, as well as the use of different water sources, were examined. Our results showed that Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Rhinotermitidae) preferred and survived better at high RH and with readily available water sources. Neotermes jouteli (Banks in Banks and Snyder) (Kalotermitidae) also preferred a high RH, but was more capable of tolerating lower RH and a lack of free water than C. formosanus. Cryptotermes brevis Walker (Kalotermitidae) and Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks (Kalotermitidae) did not exhibit greater survival in a certain RH nor when exposed to various sources ...

Effect of Chemical Presevatives on Service Life of Selected Wood Species Treated against Pests and Diseases

The effect of different chemical preservatives on service life of selected wood species was evaluated in a field plot at the Forestry research site, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. Three wood species, Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum (Obeche), Gmelina arborea Linn (Gmelina) and Terminalia ivorensis A Chew (Idigbo- Black afara) were used for this study. Two chemical preservatives namely; acid copper chromate and copper citrate at concentrations of 0%, 0.37%, 0.75% and 1.5% each and a mixture of the two preservatives (mixed preservative) at the given concentrations were used in treating stakes of these wood species and their retentions determined. Service life of the stakes was evaluated at the end of six months and insect pest and fungi that infected them identified. The result indicated that obeche had the highest mean retention of 4.04 kg/m3.The result also showed that the retention increased with increase preservative concentration, the highest retention of 6.80 kg/m3 was obtained with mixed preservative at 1.5% concentration. Treated stakes of all the three wood species lasted for the six months of the experiment while the untreated stakes failed within the period. Highest service life rating of 10 (no termite (Cryptotermes cavifrons Bank) damage) and (-) (no fungal growth) was obtained with mixed preservatives at 1.5% concentration. Based on these findings the use of these preservatives at concentrations of 0.075%- 1.5% to enhance service life is recommended.

Poikilolaimus floridensis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae) associated with termites (Kalotermitidae)

AbstractA survey of termite-associated nematodes was done in southern Florida to compare the diversity of such associations with other latitudes in the Neotropics. Six species (15 colonies) of termites (Isoptera) were collected from the field and eight species (15 colonies) from laboratory populations were examined for nematode associates. All six field-collected termite species, Cryptotermes cavifrons, Incisitermes snyderi, Neotermes jouteli, N. castaneus, Prorhinotermes simplex and Reticulitermes flavipes, representing two families (Kalotermitidae and, for the latter two species, Rhinotermitidae), were associated with nematodes. Nematodes were also isolated from laboratory populations of I. snyderi and Coptotermes formosanus. In total, seven putative species of nematodes were discerned using molecular bar-coding and culturing (when successful) including four rhabditids, one diplogastrid, Rhabditis rainai and a nematode that we are describing herein as Poikilolaimus floridensis n. sp. This nematode was isolated as dauer juveniles in the foregut of N. jouteli, N. castaneus and I. snyderi. It was recovered from workers, a soldier and an alate, suggesting internal phoresy. It is characterised by six triangular cuticular flaps covering the stomatal opening, simple tube-like stomatal structure, i.e., absence of teeth and glottoid apparatus, cuticularised and refractile secretory-excretory pore, conical male tail lacking 'bursa' or spike, short and conical female tail and didelphic female reproductive system. Poikilolaimus floridensis n. sp. is morphologically characteristic and does not easily fit the current genus definition of Poikilolaimus which is redefined herein. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on near full length SSU ribosomal DNA sequence showed that the new species occupies a basal position in the genus.

Coevolution of symbiotic spirochete diversity in lower termites.

The phylogenetic relationships of symbiotic spirochetes from five dry-wood feeding lower termites (Cryptotermes cavifrons, Heterotermes tenuis, Kalotermes flavicollis, Neotermes mona, and Reticulitermes grassei) was compared to those described in previous reports. The 16S rDNA bacterial genes were PCR-amplified from DNA isolated from intestinal samples using a spirochete-selective primer, and the 16S amplicons were cloned into Escherichia coli. Sequences of the cloned inserts were then used to determine closest relatives by comparison with published sequences. Clones sharing more than 97% sequence identity were grouped into the same phylotype. Forty-three new phylotypes were identified. These termite whole-gut-spirochetes fell into two previous defined clusters, designated as Treponema Clusters I and II, and one new Cluster III. Thirty-seven phylotypes were grouped in Cluster I. Cluster II comprised three phylotypes, two from Reticulitermes grassei (LJ029 and LJ012) and one from Heterotermes tenuis (LQ016). Three phylotypes, LK057, LK050 and LK028, were affiliated to Cluster III. Members of Cluster I showed the following characteristics: (i) spirochete phylotypes from a particular species of termite were more closely related to each other than to phylotypes of other termite species; (ii) spirochetes obtained from different genera of the same family, such as Cryptotermes sp., Kalotermes sp., and Neotermes sp., all from the family Kalotermitidae, were also related to each other. It was therefore concluded that spirochetes are specific symbionts that have coevolved with their respective species of termites, are stably harbored, and are closely related to members of the same termite family.

Social organization in the drywood termite, Cryptotermes cavifrons: is there polyethism among instars?

Division of labor among larvae and nymphs was investigated in the drywood termite, Cryptotermes cavifrons, by constructing an ethogram. There was no evidence that the first two larval instars (L1 & L2) contributed to colony labor. They appeared to be dependent castes. The bulk of the work was done by the last larval instar (L4) and the three nymphal stages (N1 to N3). However, for 14 of the 15 acts monitored there was no significant variation in the behaviors performed by these four instars. There was no evidence of any strong age or physical caste polyethism in the working instars (L3 to N3). This is in sharp contrast to the social Hymenoptera where age or physical caste polyethism among workers has been found in nearly all species studied. One major advantage of sociality, particularly among insects, is thought to be increased efficiency from division of labor. Therefore, the lack of any strong division of labor among the workforce in this termite is of interest.

Ability of canine termite detectors to locate live termites and discriminate them from non-termite material.

Dogs were trained to detect Eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), using the United States Customs method of scent detection dog training modified with a food reward. Dogs were tested with various numbers of Eastern subterranean termites placed in vented PVC containers. Trained dogs were 95.93% accurate in finding > or = 40 Eastern subterranean termite workers (positive indications) and incorrectly indicated the presence of termites in 2.69% of the containers without termites. Multiple species of termites [dark southern subterranean, R. virginicus (Banks); Formosan subterranean, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki; powderpost, Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks; and southeastern drywood termites, Incisitermes snyderi (Light)], were similarly evaluated. Dogs trained to locate Eastern subterranean termites were also 100% accurate in finding dark southern subterranean termites, 98.89% accurate in finding Formosan subterranean termites, 97.33% accurate in finding powderpost termites, and 88.89% accurate in finding southeastern drywood termites. Dogs were able to discriminate live termites from non-termite material. Trained dogs' false response rate was 25.33% to Eastern subterranean termite-damaged wood, 6.67% to American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana (L.), and 2.67% to Florida carpenter ants, Camponotus floridanus Buckley.

Nesting ecology and cuticular microbial loads in dampwood (Zootermopsis angusticollis) and drywood termites (Incisitermes minor, I. schwarzi, Cryptotermes cavifrons).

Termites form one-piece nests in wood that can vary in their moisture content and degree of decomposition, and thus microbial richness. To estimate the microbial load of nests and the potential risk they pose for colony members, we quantified the number of microbes in the nest and on the cuticle of the dampwood termite, Zootermopsis angusticollis, and three drywood termites, Incisitermes minor, I. schwarzi, and Cryptotermes cavifrons. The number of colony forming units (CFUs) cultured from nest material samples and washes of the cuticle of larvae and nymphs were determined. CFUs recorded from nest material was low (fewer than 60 CFUs/g) in the drywood termites and comparatively high in the dampwood species, as more than 800 bacterial and fungal CFUs/g were cultured from the nest material of Z. angusticollis. Similarly, cuticular microbial loads were negligible in the drywood termites sampled, ranging from 0.5 to fewer than 16 CFUs/cm2, whereas approximately 200 CFUs/cm2 were cultured from Z. angusticollis. The nesting and feeding habits of these basal species likely influence colony microbial load and the degree of pathogen exposure, which in turn could favor adaptations to resist disease that vary with termite nesting biology.

Cyclic CO 2 release in Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks, Incisitermes tabogae (Snyder) and I. minor (Hagen) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

CO 2 release patterns of three drywood termite species were investigated using flow-through respirometry techniques. Eight hours of real-time CO 2 release data were recorded for pseudergates of Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), and I. tabogae (Snyder) at 20–40°C. Cyclic release of CO 2 was observed in 20–90% of C. cavifrons, 70–100% of I. tabogae, and 87–100% of I. minor pseudergates. Variability of the recordings (calculated as the coefficient of variability or CV) was used to estimate the level of cycling in each recording. CV ranged from 14.53±2.57 (40°C) to 32.33±1.12% (30°C) in C. cavifrons, 20.24±2.44 (35°C) to 67.3±10.3% (20°C) in I. minor, and 15.9±1.46 (35°C) to 34.15±6.18% (20°C) in I. tabogae. The relationship between temperature and CV for each species was modeled using non-linear regression. CV of both Incisitermes spp. decreased exponentially with temperature, while C. cavifrons CV followed a Gaussian model, indicating an optimal cycling temperature of ∼30°C. Mean V ̇ CO 2 values were determined for each species as a function of temperature, and ranged from 0.1 ml CO 2 g −1 h −1 ( I. minor at 20°C) to 0.8 ml CO 2 g −1 h −1 ( C. cavifrons at 40°C). For all three species, V ̇ CO 2 significantly increased linearly with temperature. Colinearity tests indicated that different models described the V ̇ CO 2 relationship with temperature for both genera. Q 10 values for V ̇ CO 2 over the range of 20–40°C were 1.92 for I. minor, 1.66 for I. tabogae, and 1.62 for C. cavifrons pseudergates.

Canaleparolina darwiniensis, gen. nov., sp. nov., and other pillotinaceous spirochetes from insects.

We describe two new pillotinaceous spirochetes (Canaleparolina darwiniensis, Diplocalyx cryptotermitidis) and identify for the first time Hollandina pterotermitidis from both the subterranean termite Cryptotermes cavifrons and the wood-eating cockroach Cryptocercus punctulatus based on morphometric analysis of transmission electron micrographic thin sections. C. darwiniensis, gen. nov., sp. nov., limited to near Darwin, Australia, invariably is present on the surface of the treponeme-studded trichomonad Mixotricha paradoxa, a consistent inhabitant of the hindgut of healthy termite Mastotermes darwiniensis. The spirochete both attached to the surface of protists and free-swimming in the paunch (hindgut) lumen of the insect has 16 periplasmic flagella (16:32:16) and imbricated wall structures that resemble flattened crenulations of Pillotina. The flagella surround half the protoplasmic cylinder. C. darwiniensis is the largest (0.5 microm diameter x 25 microm length) of the three epibiotic bacteria (two spirochetes, one rod) that comprise the complex cortex of its host Mixotricha paradoxa. Several criteria distinguish Diplocalyx cryptotermitidis sp. nov. isolated from Cryptotermes cavifrons intestine: smaller diameter, fewer flagella, absence of inner and outer coats of the outer membrane, wider angle subtended by its flagella and, most notably, cytoplasmic tubule-associated centers, which are periodic electron dense spheres within the protoplasmic cylinder from which emanate cytoplasmic tubules up to 24 nm in diameter. This is also the first report of abundant populations of Hollandina in Cryptotermes cavifrons (those populations belong to the species H. pterotermitidis). Morphometric analysis of the first thin sections of any spirochetes (published nearly 40 years ago by A.V. Grimstone) permits us to identify the large (0.9 microm diameter) free-swimming intestinal symbiont of Cryptocercus punctulatus also as Hollandina pterotermitidis.

Devescovinid trichomonad with axostyle-based rotary motor (“Rubberneckia”): Taxonomic assignment as Caduceia versatilis sp. nov.

An amitochondriate trichomonad cell of the family Devescovinidae (Class Parabasalia), helped demonstrate the fluid model of lipoprotein cell membranes. This wood-ingesting symbiont in the hindgut of the dry wood-eating termite Cryptotermes cavifrons is informally known to cell biologists as "Rubberneckia". As the microtubular axo-style complex generates force causing clockwise movement of the entire anterior portion of the cell at the shear zone the protist displays "head" rotation. Studies by phase contrast and videomicroscopy of live cells, of whole mounts by scanning, and thin sections by transmission electron microscopy extend the observations of Tamm and Tamm [24-26] and Tamm [19-23]. Habitat, cell shape, size, nuclear features, parabasal apparatus and other morphological details permit the assignment of "Rubberneckia" to Kirby's cosmopolitan genus Caduceia. This large-sized devescovinid has distinctive parabasal gyres, an axostylar rotary, motor, and regularly-associated nonflagellated, fusiform and flagellated rod epibiotic surface bacteria. In addition to regularly aligned epibionts intranuclear and endocytoplasmic bacteria are abundant and hydrogenosomes are Present. "Rubberneckia" is compared here to the other seven species of Caduceia. Since it is clearly sufficiently distinctive to warrant new species status, we named it C. versatilis.

Laboratory Comparisons of Sulfuryl Fluoride Toxicity and Mean Time of Mortality Among Ten Termite Species (Isoptera: Hodotermitidae, Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae)

Ten termite species representing three families [ Zootermopsis angusticollis (Hagen), Hodotermitidae; Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), Incisitermes snyderi (Light), Neotermes jouteli (Banks), Kalotermes approximatus Snyder, Kalotermitidae; Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, Reticulitermes tibialis Banks, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and Prorhinotermes simplex (Hagen), Rhinotermitidae] were fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride for 22 h in the laboratory. R. flavipes and R. tibialis were most sensitive (LAD30 = 13.42 and 14.52 mg-h/liter, respectively), and I. minor was least sensitive (LAD50 = 30.36 mg-h/liter). Greatest and least postfumigation grand mean time of mortality (±SEM) was 3.11 ± 0.04 and 1.58 ± 0.05 d for R. tibialis and I. snyderi , respectively. Z. angusticollis had a uniquely steep probit-mortality slope.

Field Comparison of Sulfuryl Fluoride Susceptibility Among Three Termite Species (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae) During Structural Fumigation

Three termite species, Incisitermes schwarzi (Banks), Cryptotermes cavifrons (Banks), and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were exposed in separate structures to sulfuryl fluoride dosages of ca. 3, 6, and 12 mg/liter. Termites, confined to vented petri dishes and sealed wooden enclosures, were removed from each structure at 2-h intervals for 20 h. Although in many cases initial mortality of C. formosanus in petri dishes was significantly lower than I. schwarzi and C. cavifrons, by 72 h mortality had stabilized and was the same for all three species. In wood enclosures, however, mortality at 72 h remained lower for C. formosanus. This effect was attributed to experimentally elevated wood moisture content in the C. formosanus enclosures acting as a gas barrier and possible physiological differences between this termite and the other two species. In all combinations except C. formosanus in wood enclosures, 72 h mortality followed a simple hyperbolic concentration versus time function and reached 100% mortality from accumulated dosages of 28–49 mg h/liter. C. formosanus in wood enclosures required dosages of ≥95 mg h/liter for 100% mortality. These results suggest that minimum fumigant concentration and time thresholds, in conjunction with higher initial dosage, must be achieved for successful control of C. formosanus under simulated field conditions.

Uric acid in wood-eating termites

Uric acid (UA) was present in termites as assessed by paper and thin layer chromatography, by U.V. spectroscopy, by reactivity with uricase, and by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Specimens of six species ( Reticulitermes flavipes, R. virginicus, Coptotermes formosanus, Marginitermes hubbardi, Paraneotermes simplicicornis, and Cryptotermes cavifrons) contained UA in amounts accounting for between 1 and 45% of the termites' dry weight and for between 4 and 69% of the termites' total nitrogen. Almost all of the UA in R. flavipes was associated with fat body tissue. Faeces contained less than 0.2% of its weight as UA. During 15 months of captivity, UA in R. flavipes workers increased from 1.7% to 45.4% of the insects' dry weight at a linear rate of 2.7% per month. Elemental analyses of termites during this period indicated that synthesis of UA occurred, in part, at the expense of some endogenous nitrogen and carbon. Compounds tentatively identified as inosine and kynurenic acid were also present in termite extracts. Results indicate that termites can store large quantities of UA internally, but they do not void the purine in significant amounts despite the lack of detectable uricase activity in termite tissues.

Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks (Insecta: Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Termites of the genus Cryptotermes were sometimes called powderpost termites because of the telltale heaps of fecal pellets (frass) that accumulate beneath infested wood. Fecal pellets of Cryptotermes, however, are similar in size and shape to other comparably sized species of Kalotermitidae. All are now collectively known as drywood termites. The most economically significant termite in this genus, Cryptotermes brevis (Walker), commonly infests structures and was at one time known as the “furniture termite,” thanks to the frequency with which colonies were found in pieces of furniture. A member of the same genus that might be mistaken for C. brevis upon a first, cursory examination is C. cavifrons, a species endemic to Florida. This document is EENY-279, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: December 2002.
 EENY279/IN537: Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks (Insecta: Blattodea: Kalotermitidae) (ufl.edu)

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CASTES OF NINE GENERA AND THIRTEEN SPECIES OF TERMITES

The termites described in this paper are:PROTERMITIDÆ—Termopsis angusticollis.Calotermes n. sp.Cryptotermes cavifrons.Neotermes castaneus.MESOTERMITIDÆ—Arrhinotermes simplex.Reticulitermes flavipes.Reticulitermes virginicus.Reticulitermes n. sp.METATERMITIDÆ—Anoplotermes fumosus.Amitermes tubiformans.Eutermes morio.Eutermes sancheziEutermes piliirons.1. The eggs of these termites are largest in the primitive forms, the Protermitidæ, measuring from 1.2 to 1.7 mm. in length, they are smaller in the Mesotermitidæ, from 0.68 to I mm. long; and are smallest in the Metatermitidæ, from 0.56 to 0.72 mm. long.2. The newly hatched nymphs correspond in size to the eggs from which they have hatched.3. The newly hatched nymphs are externally all alike, but they are differentiated by internal structural characters into two clearly defined types: (a) the reproductive, or fertile forms, with large brain and large sex organs, and usually a dense opaque body; and (b) the worker-soldier, or sterile forms, with small brain and small sex organs, and usually a clear transparent body.4. At the time of hatching the antennæ of the Protermitidæ (Calotermes n. sp., Cryptotermes cavifrons, and probably also Tenmopsis angusticollis and Neotermes castaneus) have nine segments, with the third segment entire; those of the Mesotermitidæ (Arrhinotenmes simplex, Reticulitermes flavipes, R. virginicus and R., n. sp.) have nine segments with the third subdivided; those of the Metatermitidæ (Amitermes tubiformans, Eutermes pilifrons, E. morio and E. sanchezi, and probably also Anoplotermes fumosus) have eleven segments, the third subdivided.5. Nymphs with a body length of about 2 mm., or 2.5 to 3 mm. in the larger genera, are differentiated into "small-headed" but large brained reproductive forms, and "large-headed" but small-brained worker-soldier forms.6. The worker-soldier nymphs of Eutermes pilifrons, 2 mm. long, with twelve antennal segments, and externally all alike, are distinguishable, after staining, into worker nymphs with a small vestigial frontal gland, and soldier nymphs with a large frontal gland.7. The soldiers of Eutermes pilifrons, and also those of E. morio and E. sanchezi, are therefore not externally differentiated at the time of hatching, which, according to Bugnion, is the case in E. lacustris.