Odontotermes Obesus Research Articles

Investigation into how Odontotermes obesus maintains a predominantly Termitomyces monoculture in their fungus combs suggests a potential partnership with both fungi and bacteria

Fungus-growing termites, like Odontotermes obesus, cultivate Termitomyces as their sole food source on fungus combs which are continuously maintained with foraged plant materials. This necessary augmentation also increases the threat of introducing non-specific fungi capable of displacing Termitomyces. The magnitude of this threat and how termites prevent the invasion of such fungi remain largely unknown. This study identifies these non-specific fungi by establishing the pan-mycobiota of O. obesus from the fungus comb and termite castes. Furthermore, to maximize the identification of such fungi, the mycobiota of the decaying stages of the unattended fungus comb were also assessed. The simultaneous assessment of the microbiota and the mycobiota of these stages identified possible interactions between the fungal and bacterial members of this community. Based on these findings, we propose possible interactions among the crop fungus Termitomyces, the weedy fungus Pseudoxylaria and some bacterial symbiotes. These possibilities were then tested with in vitro interaction assays which suggest that Termitomyces, Pseudoxylaria and certain potential bacterial symbiotes possess anti-fungal capabilities. We propose a multifactorial interaction model of these microbes, under the care of the termites, to explain how their interactions can maintain a predominantly Termitomyces monoculture.

Efficacy of Neem Oil against Termite [Odontotermes obesus (Rambur)] (Blattodea: Termitidae)

Botanical pesticides are of great importance in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Extracts of different plant parts are used for deterring and killing the various life stages of insects. Most of the oils produced by plants contain bioactive compounds with insecticidal properties. Neem oil containing azadirachtin is an established insecticide and insect repellent. Use of synthetic pesticides for wood preservation leads to environmental pollution and health hazards to human beings and other living organisms. To avoid these problems neem, Azadiracta indica (A.Juss.) plant oil was used in this study and gave better results. The weight loss of card boards treated with neem was less like chlorpyrifos treated cardboards. Gravimetric measurements of cardboards shown 18.34gm and 16.85 gm weight which after 30 and 60 days of exposure to A. indica oil indicated that plant oil has potential effects like conventional pesticides like chlorpyrifos which showed the18.72 and 18.63 gm of weight in cardboards after 30 and 60 days of exposure. The P values was 0.036457 and 0.016527 for cardboards exposed to two treatments after 30 and 60 days respectively which is highly significant.

Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pest of Chickpea and their Natural Enemies in Vindhaya Region of Madhya Pradesh

Field experiment carried out at the Entomology Instructional Farm, JNKVV-College of Agriculture Rewa, MP during rabi season 2018-19 revealed that incidence of the chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera. Population range of pod borer during different weather weeks varied between 0.30 and 1.89 larvae/mrl (April 2nd week and March 2nd week respectively). Peak larval population of Helicoverpa armigera was recorded in 2nd week of March (11 standard weeks). A weak negative correlation was observed with the maximum relative humidity and minimum relative humidity correlation, -0.172 and -0.595 respectively and a non significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall. The respective r was found to be 0.306, 0.391 and 0.269. In district Rewa, MP, India the insect-pests of chickpea and their natural enemies during rabi the total seven species was recorded in Chickpea in which six pests minor in nature and one major pest Chickpea pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera). Termite (Odontotermes obesus Ram.), White grub (Holotrichia consanguinea Bl.), Black aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch), Grasshopper (Chrotogonus trachypterus Blan.), Semilooper (Autographa nigrisigna L.), Cut worm (Agrotis ipsilon Huf.) are minor in nature. Seven natural enemies found during field investigation i.e. lady bird beetle (Chilomenes sexmaculata Fab.), lady bird beetle (Coccinella septempunctata L.), Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), Dragon fly (Crocothemis servilia Drury), Campoletis parasitoid (Campoletis chlorideae Uch.), Indian mynah (Acridotheris tristis L.), King crow (Dicrurus macrocerus Vie.) in chickpea observed in low to medium population on the crop and to help in reduction of pest population.

Biotermiticidal Activity of Jatropha gossypifolia Linn. plant extract against Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract: Termiticidal potential of methanol and aqueous leaves extract of Jatropha gossypifolia Linn. were studied against Odontotermes obesus. The plant leaves were dried, powdered and extracted with methanol and aqueous solvent in soxhlet apparatus for 24 hrs. The 20 termites were exposed to various concentrations from 9.0 to 14.5 mg/ml) of methanol and of aqueous plant extract of Jatropha gossypifolia and percent mortality were recorded after 24 hrs. The termiticidal activity of leaves extract of Jatropha gossypifolia were (LC10 = 9.8220 mg/ml, LD50 = 10.093, LC90 =12.667 mg/ml) in methanol and (LC10 = 11.984, LC50 = 13.195, LC90 =14.531 mg/ml) in aqueous solvent respectively. Results revealed that the mortality was increased with increasing in concentration of the plant extracts. The methanol solvent extract of Jatropha gossypifolia showed higher termiticidal property against Odontotermes obesus. Statistical variance, 95% confidence limits and regression equations are presented.

Phenol 2,4 di-tert butyl, Phenol 3,5 di-tert butyl and isoaromadendrane epoxide: Termiticidal compounds isolated from Lantana camara L.

Termite, a havoc for infrastructure and agriculture, is still progressing its realm and continue its devastating activity to human habitat. Conventional chemicals are not sufficient to prevent infestation and are hazardous too for environment. Lantana camara, an imported wild weed, was analysed to assess the termiticidal potential. Present study was carried out after survey of termite infestation in plants which indicated that L. camara was least affected by termites in studied area thus selected to check anti-termite property against one of the pests Odontotermes obesus (Rambur). An invasive O. obesus brought from crop fields and reared in laboratory by maintaining termite mould like environment in specialized termite box in which temperature was sustained at 27 ± 5 ºC and humidity at 70 ± 5%. No choice test assay proved L. camara methanolic leaf extract was most lethal as responsible to induce 100% mortality and phytochemically most diverse among others. Among isolated phytoconstituents, terpenoids showed 100% mortality at 250 µg concentration. Terpenoids further resolved to find active constituents in which mortality obtained between 5% and 51%. LC4 content was most lethal and induced 51.66% mortality while two other contents LC5 and LC6 showed 30% mortality. GC-HRMS analysis showed that the LC-4 contained Phenol 2,4 di-tert butyl while LC5 contained Phenol 3,5 di-tert butyl and LC6 contained isoaromadendrene epoxide as active phytoconstituents. The results indicated that the detected compounds can be useful termiticidal phytochemicals and might be applicable as bioinsecticide.

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF TERMITES (BLATTODEA: ISOPTERA) IN BHIWANI, HARYANA, INDIA

A comprehensive study was undertaken by collecting 51 samples of termites between July and October 2021 in three distinct zones within the Bhiwani district to analyze the termite diversity of the Bhiwani, Haryana region. The interplay of aeolian dunes characterizes the Bhiwani district?s ecological landscape. Nestled within the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain, the Loharu Banger zone, and the ruggedness of the Aravalli Hills provide three distinct niches for termite diversity. The study sheds light on the intricate tapestry of termite life inhabiting these diverse ecological niches. Sample identification exhibited termites? affiliations to two prominent families, Termitidae and Rhinotermitidae and three subfamilies, Amitermitinae, Macrotermitinae, and Coptotermitinae. Further, delving into the taxonomy unveiled a total of ten termite species inhabiting the various locations across the three ecological regions of Bhiwani district including Coptotermes sp., Microtermes mycophagus Desneux, Odontotermes gurdaspurensis Holmgren and Holmgren, Odontotermes redemanni (Wasmann), Odontotermes obesus, Coptotermes kishori, Amitermes belli (Desneux), Microcerotermes sp., Odontotermes guptai Roonwal and Bose, and Odontotermes vaishno Bose. Various diversity indices, including species richness, Simpson?s diversity index, Shannon-Weaver index, and Pielou?s evenness index, were used to determine the relative abundance and distribution of termite species within each zone. These indexes offer a comprehensive view of termite community structure and ecosystem resilience. This pioneering research marks the first-ever documented record of termite biodiversity in Bhiwani district, Haryana. In a region where the study of termites had hitherto been scarce, this endeavor opens doors to a deeper understanding of these soil-dwelling architects of nature. It lays the foundation for future research and pest management strategies in this dynamic ecosystem.. KEYWORDS :Isoptera, Termite diversity, Taxonomy, Pest management, Soil ecology

Novel moisture retaining dustable powder containing Steinernema abbasi effectively controls damage of subterranean termite in wheat and chickpea

The application of biocontrol agents in farm operations for pest control programs is gaining priority and preference globally. Effective delivery, infectivity of the biocontrol agents, and quality shelf-life products containing these bioagents are vital parameters responsible for the success of biopesticides under field conditions. In the present study, moisture-retaining bio-insecticidal dustable powder formulation (SaP) of Steinernema abbasi (Sa) infective juveniles (IJs) was developed and assessed for its shelf life, physicochemical profile, and bio-efficacy against subterranean termite under field conditions. Formulation exhibited free-flowing character, with pH of 6.50–7.50, and apparent density in the range 0.50–0.70 g cm−3. The bioefficacy study for two rabi seasons (2020–2021, and 2021–2022) in wheat and chickpea grown in an experimental farm heavily infested with subterranean termites (Odontotermes obesus) revealed a significant reduction in plant damage due to pest attack in formulation-treated plots, monitored in terms of relative number of infested tillers in wheat and infested plants in chickpea fields. The reduced damage to the crop caused by termite was reflected in the relative differences in the growth and yield attributes as well. The study establishes the potential of the developed product as a biopesticide suitable for organic farming and integrated pest management operations.

Acarine species associated with subterranean termites (Blattodea, Termitidae)

Ten species of mites were found associated with three species of termites, viz, Odontotermes obesus Rambur, 1842, O. feae Wasmann, 1896 and Nasutitermes gardneri Snyder, 1933. The collected mite species conformed to nine genera, four families and two orders. Among the ten species collected, nine of them were from the order Sarcoptiformes and cohort Astigmatina, while only one belonged to the order Trombidiformes. Seven species collected conformed to the family Acaridae. All mite species exhibited a phoretic relationship with their respective host insects. One adult mite, Premicrodispus paramaevi Hosseininaveh and Hajiqanbar, 2015 and nine deutonymphs were collected and described.

Time-dependent mortality and behavioral response of Odontotermes obesus (Blattodea: Termitidae) against different dose rates of pesticides for sustainable forest management

Termites have become a global concern, and their effective management has remained a challenge since time immemorial. Certain microbial and botanical agents have been used for their management, but their efficacy has been compromised, particularly in field conditions. Hence, the current study was designed to check the efficacy of low doses of different pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos, fipronil, bifenthrin, and chlorantraniliprole, against mortality and behavioral responses of Odontotermes obesus at two different temperatures (16 ± 1 and 26 ± 1°C). The discrete behavioral symptoms included intoxication, ataxia, moribundity, and death. Laboratory-maintained termite workers were exposed to different concentrations of pesticides through a filter paper bioassay. All tested pesticides and their concentrations differed significantly regarding their lethal time (LT50) values compared to the mortality of termite workers. Moreover, the LT50 values of pesticides gradually decreased with increased pesticidal concentrations. Temperature also had a significant effect on the efficacy of tested pesticides as all pesticides showed better results at higher temperatures. At both tested temperatures, chlorantraniliprole (5 ppm) proved to be the most effective pesticide against termite workers. Similarly, the behavioral symptoms also varied depending on pesticides and their administered concentrations and existed for a relatively longer time span at lower temperatures. In most cases, the order of responses was moribundity, followed by intoxication and ataxia. Moribundity and intoxication were the most frequently observed symptoms for chlorpyriphos and bifenthrin-treated termite workers. In the case of fipronil, intoxication was the most pronounced symptom. Similarly, the maximum value of ataxia was recorded in the case of chlorantraniliprole. However, moribund symptoms lasted longer in all tested concentrations of chlorantraniliprole, followed by ataxia and intoxication. The overall order of toxicity was chlorantraniliprole > bifenthrin > fipronil > chlorpyrifos. These pesticides, at their low doses, did not exhibit any repellent action and were not detected by the foraging termite workers. Moreover, their slow action mechanism makes them a suitable candidate for infecting whole colonies away from treated surfaces. Therefore, these pesticides can be successfully incorporated into different integrated termite management programs to keep the plantation free from threatening underground pests.

Larvicidal and anti-termite activities of microbial biosurfactant produced by Enterobacter cloacae SJ2 isolated from marine sponge Clathria sp.

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has resulted in a number of issues, including a rise in insecticide-resistant organisms, environmental degradation, and a hazard to human health. As a result, new microbial derived insecticides that are safe for human health and the environment are urgently needed. In this study, rhamnolipid biosurfactants produced from Enterobacter cloacae SJ2 was used to evaluate the toxicity towards mosquito larvae (Culex quinquefasciatus) and termites (Odontotermes obesus). Results showed dose dependent mortality rate was observed between the treatments. The 48 h LC50 (median lethal concentration) values of the biosurfactant were determined for termite and mosquito larvae following the non-linear regression curve fit method. Results showed larvicidal activity and anti-termite activity of biosurfactants with 48 h LC50 value (95% confidence interval) of 26.49 mg/L (25.40 to 27.57) and 33.43 mg/L (31.09 to 35.68), respectively. According to a histopathological investigation, the biosurfactant treatment caused substantial tissue damage in cellular organelles of larvae and termites. The findings of this study suggest that the microbial biosurfactant produced by E. cloacae SJ2 is an excellent and potentially effective agent for controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus and O. obesus.

Altitudinal Variations in the Mound Nests of Termites <i>Odontotermes Wallonensis</i> and <i>O. obesus</i>

The nesting form of the mound nest of species Odontotermes wallonensis(E. Wasmann) and Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) was studied in hilly and tropical deciduous forest area of Kakoijana Reserved Forest of Abhayapuri (Bongaigaon district). It was compared to the plain village forest area of Baksa district (Bajegaon Pather). The morphometric measurement such as height, circumference, depth of the mound nest and the royal chamber from the surface of the ground was recorded along with weight of fungus garden and queen and their sections were photographed. The outcomes revealed that the location of the nest influences the structure and characteristics of the nest. The young and established mound nests of species O. obesus and O. wallonensis in hilly and plain area had different shape, sizes and colour. The shade of the fungus garden was buff i.e., yellowish brown in young nest whereas it was blackish brown in established nests. The queen termite and the royal chamber unable to be excavated were in hilly area as compared to the plain area. In some of the mound nests, no traces of the queen termites and rest of the castes were observed; and the mound was dead i.e., abandoned after the death of queen termite.

Biocontrol Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against Odontotermes obesus (Blattodea: Termitidae) under Laboratory and Field Conditions

Odontotermes obesus (Blattodea: Termitidae) is a prevalent subterranean wood-eating termite species that causes damage to mature trees, saplings and seedlings. The efficacy of most synthetic insecticides against this notorious pest has been compromised primarily because of its enigmatic feeding behavior and development of resistance to a number of insecticides. It has therefore become necessary to explore other alternative biologically sound and low-impact termite control methods, particularly for use in forests. Hence, this study was designed to verify the efficacy of different indigenous EPN isolates (Steinernema carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Heterorhabditis indica) against workers of Odontotermes obesus. The pathogenicity of each nematode isolate was assessed in laboratory conditions using filter paper and sawdust bioassay at two different temperatures (16 ± 1 and 26 ± 1 °C). Additionally, the efficacy of the nematode species was also assessed in field conditions. The results of the experiments revealed that the mortality of termite workers was more pronounced in sawdust bioassay in comparison with filter paper bioassay at both the tested temperatures. The mortality response in both bioassays was more pronounced at the higher temperature. A significantly higher mortality was recorded at both tested temperatures for S. carpocapsae followed by H. bacteriophora and H. indica. A dose-dependent positive mortality response was also recorded at both tested temperatures. Similar to the laboratory trials, the field applications of the three tested nematode species showed that maximum mortality was recorded for S. carpocapsae followed by H. bacteriophora and H. indica. It was therefore concluded that indigenous EPNs can provide more effective control of termites, possibly because of their direct interaction with pest species in the soil and the possibility of causing secondary infection through infected cadavers.

Termiticidal and Biochemical Activity of Combinatorial Essential Oil Ingredients of <i>Tagetes erecta</i> on Indian White Termite <i>Odontotermes obesus</i>

In present investigation, various bio-molecular parameters i.e. glycogen, protein, amino acid, DNA, RNA and lipid, were determined for evaluation of anti-termite efficacy of Tagetes erecta essential oil based combinatorial formulations against Indian white termite Odontotermes obesus. For this purpose, 40% and 80% of 24 hrs of LD50 values of various formulations were provided for treatment of termite workers. Observations were taken at 4 hrs time interval up to 16 hrs to know inhibitory activity of these combinatorial mixtures on termite species Odontotermes obesus. Significant (p > 0.05) alterations were observed in the level above mentioned bio-molecules when termites were treated with different combinatorial essential oils ingredients of Citrus maxima. Combinatorial mixtures of Tagetes erecta essential oils have shown synergistic activity against termites. This study will provide an overall sustainable way to termite control in crop field, gardens and houses. It also suggests use of essential oils as better alternative of synthetic termiticides as these are safer for environmental and human health.

​​Evaluation of Botanicals Crotalaria burhia Buch-Ham and Anacardium occidentale L. against Termite Odontotermes obesus Rambur (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Wheat

Background: In recent times, termites have gained importance in agriculture as a pest in wheat crop. Famers are using chemical pesticides for the management of termites, which eventually leads to degradation of soil, insecticide residue, pest resurgence, air pollution, water pollution and also affects human health. In this regard, botanicals as an effective alternate to insecticides in the management of termites is crucial. The root and leaf extracts of Crotalaria burhia Buch-Ham and Anacardium occidentale L. against termites was evaluated. Methods: Field experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of botanicals viz., Crotalaria burhia Buch-Ham and Anacardium occidentale L. along with Indigenous technologies, biofungicide and standard chemicals against Odontotermes obesus Rambur in wheat. An experiment was laid at the Research Farm, Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology, Gurgaon, Haryana during two seasons, i.e., November 2014-March 2015 and during December 2015-April 2016. Result: The test botanicals incorporated along with indigenous technologies and widely recommended termiticides assessed for their efficacy against O. obesus in wheat at two locations proved to be effective in the order of imidacloprid 17.8 SL at 350 ml ha-1 greater than chlorpyrifos 20 EC at 2 l ha-1 greater than B. bassiana 2x108 at 500 ml ha-1 greater than C. burhia root extract (10%) at 50 l ha-1 greater than A. occidentale leaf dust (5%) at 25 kg ha-1 greater than irrigating plots greater than neem oil (2%) greater than dusting salt at 25 kg ha-1.

Comparative bio-efficacy of indigenous isolates of Heterorhabditis indica from Chhattisgarh against Odontotermes obesus under laboratory conditions

Comparative bio-efficacy of indigenous isolates of Heterorhabditis indica from Chhattisgarh against Odontotermes obesus under laboratory conditions

Efficacy of leaf extracts of apple of sodom (Calotropis procera) for the control of subterranean termite Odontotermes Obesus

Despite serious safety concerns, Calotropis procera is used for gastrointestinal disorders. The subterranean termites Odontotermes obesus is extremely invading wood pests that cause direct economic losses worth billions of dollars throughout the world particularly in humid and subtropic regions. Leaf extract of Calotropis procera in two solvent hexane and acetone, is used against workers of subterranean termites, mortality. LC50 and tunneling behavior of termites was observed at different concentration of 3%, 7% and 10% respectively and distilled water applied a control. Two solvent hexane and acetone is used for extraction. Data have been analyzed using software Minitab (version 16).

Potentiality of phytochemical compounds isolated and identified from Jatropha curcas L. against Odontotermes obesus Rambur

Infestations of termites in agricultural fields as well as in domestic and industrial areas have been one of the major problems incurring a great economic loss since long. Chemical pesticides are being used to prevent the devastating action of termites which are deterrent for termites but concomitantly hazardous for health, damage ecological cycles and are perdurable in nature for long. In search of alternatives, the present study was aimed to isolate an active termiticidal phytochemical from Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) against termite species, Odontotermes obesus Rambur. Acetone, chloroform, n-hexane, methanol and distilled water extracts of stem and leaves were prepared and chemical composition was checked. The results indicated that extracts of leaves possessed higher quantities of phytoconstituents than stems. To know the termiticidal potential, extracts of leaves and stems were applied at a dose range of 0.5–4 gm/ml solvent to Whatman filter papers No. 1, allowed to dry, and presented to termites in Petri-plates in specialized termite box maintained at 27 ± 5 °C with 70 ± 5 % relative humidity. Mortality of termites was recorded twice at 24 h and 48 h post-exposure. To know active phytochemicals against termites, isolated phytochemicals were subjected to termiticidal assay in which terpenoid fractions exhibited highest termiticidal potential. The mixture of terpenoids were isolated using TLC in which ten bands of phytochemicals were detected coined JC-1 to JC-10 and the most active fraction JC-6 was identified as of benzyl oleate, benzyl (6Z, 9Z, 12Z) 6,9,12 octadecatrionate; followed by JC-9 as tert- hexadacanethio; while JC10 was a mixture of phenol 2,4 diterbutyl, 1-methylundecyl trifluroacetate, and benzyl acetate (9Z, 12Z) 9,12 octadecadionate. The present study indicates that J. curcas contains anti-termiticidal compounds and that can be used to prevent termite infestation. This plant could be exploited further for production of bio-pesticides.

Isolation, Screening and Identification of Lignin Degraders from the Gut of Termites Odontotermes obesus

The mounting disquiets about the usage of precarious chemicals in the textile industry have steered to the development of eco-friendly and biological methods of fiber processing in the ever-escalating horizon of textile fibers. The current study targets the isolation, identification, and screening of lignin-degrading bacteria from termite gut microflora which could be employed in the textile trade, especially in coir industries for developing a biological method for softening coir fibers. Based on the morphology and taxonomic keys, termites used in the study were identified as Odontotermes obesus. The bacteria isolated from the termite gut having lignolytic activity were picked by using the methylene blue dye decolorizing method. The same was confirmed by using tannic acid. The isolates were then identified as Kosakonia oryzendophytica and Pseudomonas chengduensis by 16s rRNA sequencing. The isolates were further checked for their ability to produce extracellular lignolytic enzymes. The enzyme concentration was found to be significantly higher in the medium containing the microbial consortium than in those with the individual cultures. The consortium filtrate has MnP activity of 41.6 U/mL, LiP activity of 114.3 U/mL, and laccase activity of 61.85 U/mL at 72 hours of incubation. It was found that the enzyme activities were increased considerably until 72 hours of incubation but showed an insignificant increase at 96 hours.

Morphometric analysis of soldier cast of Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) and Microtermes obesi (Holmgren) (Blattodea: Termitidae; Macrotermitinae) from three localities of Potohar region, Pakistan

A great diversity of termite species is found all over the world, among these 53 species are identified from Pakistan. The knowledge about morphological features in soldier cast of termites is proved to be a technical tool for taxonomy and identification. In the present studies, the morphometric variations of external morphology in soldier caste of Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) and Microtermes obesi (Holmgren) from three different areas i.e. Gujar Khan (A), Rawalpindi (B) and Islamabad (C) were studied. About 36 characters like body, thorax, abdomen, from head to mandible tip, head, pronotum, postmentum, mandible, antenna (scape, pedicle, flagellum), and legs parts were used for morphometric measurements. The data were statistically analyzed for significant differences in their mean, standard deviation, standard error, 95% confidence interval, coefficient of variability and analysis of variance. "Student t-test" was used for the comparison of mean values using Minitab version 16. The results of the present study revealed no significant differences among the population samples collected from various localities. However little variations were observed in a few characters like antennal segments (pedicle, scape) and legs (trochanter, tibia) among the soldier cast which are adaptive in nature to survive in the environment. Keywords: Morphometric analysis, soldiers cast, Odontotermes obesus, Microtermes obesi.

Termite diversity and damage assessment in urban trees from different parks of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Termite infestation is one of the fundamental problems associated with the loss of urban trees and ecological services. However, no such study has been performed in Pakistan to investigate the termite occurrence and assess such damages to urban trees caused by termites. For Lahore, research and comparable data on urban tree damages are rare or missing. This study surveyed six different microhabitats, including Bagh-e-Jinnah, canal vegetation, Model Town Park, Jallo Forestry, Race-Course Park, and FC College Vegetation employing the three belt transects (100 × 5m) method. We geo-referenced termite-infested trees to investigate the termite occurrence on living and dead standing trees, termite diversity, and the assessment of tree damage by termites' attack. We recorded four termite species (Odontotermes obesus Rambur, Coptotermes heimi Wasmann, Heterotermes indicola Wasmann, and Microtermes obesi Holmgren) representing two families (Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae). However, the diversity indices revealed that O. obesus (higher termite) and C. heimi (lower termite) were dominant with 46.60 and 36% of occurrence among observed trees, respectively. Kernel density function indicated that the Lahore Canal and Bagh-e-Jinnah plantation shared all four termites' infestation evenly compared to other study sites. We observed the maximum number of damaged trees by termites in canal vegetation with the most damaged exotic tree species Populus euramericana along the canal green belt. Additionally, we observed significant (P < 0.05) termite-tree interactions with exotic, living, and dead standing tree species and found termite colony size positively (R = 0.985) correlated with the tree trunk diameter up to breast height (DBH). The average population of termites per unit volume of deadwood log was (0.39/cm3) within all plantation sites. In conclusion, this study provides simple, reckless, and inexpensive knowledge about the assessment of termite damage to trees, which may give a better idea in making decisions on tree selection and management in urban ecosystems.