How to translate text using browser tools
1 May 2011 Wood Consumption by Formosan Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) as Affected by Wood Moisture Content and Temperature
Bal K. Gautam, Gregg Henderson
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Understanding foraging behaviors and food preferences of termite colonies is critical to optimizing control strategies. The relationship between the moisture content (MC) of wood blocks and the feeding preference of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) at three ambient temperatures (19, 28, and 35°C) was investigated with multiple-choice as well as no-choice feeding bioassays. In multiple-choice tests, when four wood blocks with initial MC as dry (0–3%), low MC (22–24%), medium MC (70–90%), and high MC (125–150%) were exposed to workers and soldiers, the highest consumption was found in the high MC wood blocks at all three temperatures, although high MC wood consumption at 19°C was significantly lower than that at 28 or 35°C The preference for high MC wood blocks was detectable within the first few hours and continued for the duration of the test. In no-choice tests, the highest wood consumption also was obtained on the high MC wood blocks at all three temperatures. However, in no-choice tests, significant mortality was observed with termites exposed to dry or low MC wood blocks. Termite mortality was found to be higher with higher ambient temperature. Sustained feeding was not observed on wood blocks with ≤24% MC. When wood moisture is low, no free water exists in the cell cavities, which perhaps influenced feeding choices. Temperature played a vital and complementary role for wood consumption at all moisture levels.

© 2011 Entomological Society of America
Bal K. Gautam and Gregg Henderson "Wood Consumption by Formosan Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) as Affected by Wood Moisture Content and Temperature," Annals of the Entomological Society of America 104(3), 459-464, (1 May 2011). https://doi.org/10.1603/AN10190
Received: 2 December 2010; Accepted: 1 January 2011; Published: 1 May 2011
JOURNAL ARTICLE
6 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Coptotermes formosanus
temperature
wood moisture
wood preference
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top