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The presence of termites in the cocoa plantations and quarries of Côte d'Ivoire poses a threat to the producers of this sector. Producer yields are insufficient to cover the strong market demand. This situation leads to food insecurity for the population. Knowledge of the specific inhibitory molecules of digestive enzymes of termites is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of insecticides to optimize crop production. The present study was aimed to characterize termite cellulases according to the trophic group. Specifically, the influence of chemical agents on the cellulase activities of four humivorous (Cubitermes fungifaber) and xylophagous termites (Nasutitermes latifrons, Microcerotermes fuscotibialisand Amitermes guineensis) collected in Daloa during the October period was investigated.Thus, the cellulase activities were measured by the spectrophotometric method in the absence and in the presence of the concentrations of 1 and 5 mM of various chemical agents. The chemical agents used behaved differently on cellulase activities. Thus, Cu2+, Pb2+and EDTA inhibited the cellulase activity of M. fuscotibialismore than 90% at concentrations of 1 and 5 mM, respectively, indicating the presence of a metalloprotein. On the other hand, that of the other two xylophagous species was slightly inhibited. In addition, the cellulase activity of C. Fungifaber was inhibited at the two respective concentrations by Cu2+at about 70%. In conclusion, Cu2+, pb2+and EDTA can be used in the formulation of some specific insecticides against humivorous and xylophagous termites.
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Aim: In Saudi Arabia, termites are considered as notorious pests that cause enormous damage in both rural and urban areas. The diversity of termites collected from various locations in Ta'if City were characterized, based on the mitochondrial genes mt12S rRNA, mtCOI and mtCOII. Methodology: Termite samples were manually collected during the spring of 2016 from different areas. Five different areas were surveyed to cover all regions of Ta'if City. Molecular identification method was applied to study genetic diversity of termite. Results: A total of 2229 termites were identified as eight species from three families on the basis of best gene (mt12S rRNA). Microcerotermes sp. was the most abundant species, whereas Angulitermes sp. was the least abundant with 0.8% representation. Anacanthotermes ochraceus and Microtermes sp. showed the least amount of intraspecific variation, the two species being 100% identical. Microcerotermes arboreus showed the highest intraspecific variation, ranging from 0.0% to 4.0%. Interspecific variability between the collected and identified species ranged from 7% to 21%. Interpretation: The results indicated the presence of eight different species of termites and the possibility of three new species based on genetic data.
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Abstract Trail-following pheromone is one of the most important semiochemical in termites. This pheromone is responsible for the recruitment of individuals from the colony to perform different tasks. The aim of this work was to isolate and identify the trail-following pheromone of Microcerotermes exiguus (Isoptera: Termitidae), a typical termite from the Neotropic, that is considered pest in some crops. Subterranean nest of M. exiguus were collected with a shovel in Caracas, Venezuela in 2010. Different chemical micro-reactions combined with chromatographic analysis of solvent extracts, as well as solid phase microextraction analyses (SPME) were applied to termite sternal glands; besides, some behavioral biossays were undertaken. A peak in the chromatograms from extracts (retention index: 1 483), presented a fragmentation pattern with m/z ions: 41; 55; 67; 79; 91; 105; 119; 135; 142; 180, this result alongside behavioral assays allowed us to conclude that (3Z,6Z,8E)-dodeca-3, 6, 8-trien-1-ol (DTOH) acts as the main component of the trail following pheromone. The estimated optimum concentration for termite recruitment and orientation was around 1 pg/cm, being statistically comparable to the value on trails marked with whole body extracts at concentration of 1 worker/cm. The period of time that this compound takes to recruit other colony members is 13.67 ± 5.76 s and lasts up to two hours. Both analytical and behavioral results provided better understanding on the chemical communication of M. exiguus. This information could be used for the future development of newer pest control methods. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 303-311. Epub 2018 March 01.
Resumen La feromona de camino es uno de los semioquímicos más importantes en las termitas. Esta feromona es responsable del reclutamiento de individuos de la colonia para realizar diversas tareas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue aislar e identificar la feromona de camino de Microcerotermes exiguus (Isoptera: Termitidae), que es una termita típica del Neotrópico, considerada como plaga en algunos cultivos. Nidos subterráneos de M. exiguus fueron recolectados en Caracas, Venezuela en el 2010. Se realizaron diferentes micro-reacciones químicas combinadas con el análisis cromatográfico de los extractos en solventes, así como el de la microextracción en fase sólida (SPME) de las glándulas esternales de las termitas; además de algunos bioensayos de comportamiento. Un pico en los cromatogramas de los extractos (índice de retención:1 483), presentó un patrón de fragmentación con los iones m/z: 41; 55; 67; 79; 91; 105; 119; 135; 142; 180, este resultado junto con los ensayos comportamentales, nos permitieron concluir que el (3Z,6Z,8E)-dodeca-3, 6, 8-trien-1-ol (DTOH) es el compuesto principal de la feromona de camino. La concentración óptima estimada para el reclutamiento y la orientación se encuentra alrededor de 1 pg/cm, siendo estadísticamente comparable al valor en los caminos trazados con extractos de cuerpo entero de 1 obrera /cm. El tiempo que toma este compuesto para reclutar a otros miembros de la colonia es de aproximadamente 13.67 ± 5.76 s y se mantiene hasta por dos horas. Los resultados analíticos y de comportamiento proporcionan una mejor comprensión de la comunicación química de M. exiguus, y dicha información podría ser utilizada para el desarrollo de nuevos métodos de control de plagas.
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Aims: The present study aims at isolation and identifying termite gut bacteria from different Globitermes sulphureus mounds using a molecular approach based on16S rRNA genes. Methodology and results: The bacteria from the whole gut of soldier and worker castes of the termite G. sulphureus was isolated and identified. The diversity of the bacteria was compared between five different colonies in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. The isolated bacteria were identified by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing method and subsequently used for phylogenetic analysis. Sequences analyses of identified bacteria were found to be affiliated with the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Soldiers and workers seemed to have little differences in bacterial species from the same colonies. We noted some bacteria which were detected in soldiers were not detected in workers. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Differences in the culturable bacteria composition were not significant between termite colonies. However, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the bacteria from one colony were slightly but distinctly different with bacteria from other colonies.
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Aims: Subterranean termites, Globitermes sulphureus is one of the significant pests for agricultural crops such as coconut and oil palm, and occasionally attacks building structure in Malaysia. Efforts to control subterranean termite infestations depended heavily on liquid termiticide applications. Natural pathogen of termites such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is a promising alternative to chemical control. The objective of this study was to determine the most virulent EPF such as Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces sp. against the subterranean termites, G. sulphureus for the development of bio-insecticide for future use of termite control. Methodology and results: Subterranean termites were collected from mound-building termites found in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Cultivating, harvesting and counting of conidia of EPF were carried out to prepare the desired concentrations for screening test and bioassays, which were 1×103 , 1x105 , 1×107 and control. The pathogenicity testing was observed daily within 1 week under laboratory conditions. Screening showed that M. anisopliae was found to be the most virulent compared to B. bassiana and Paecilomyces sp., achieving 100% mortality within 3-4 days. M. anisopliae was then further tested on termites and it was found that concentration of 1×107 showed the lowest LT50 value, while LC50 of M. anisopliae in 1 day was 2.0151×106 . Conclusion, significance and impact of study: It could be concluded that M. anisopliae is the most virulent EPF against termites and the most effective concentration was ±107 followed by strains of B. bassiana and Paecilomyces sp. However, there is limited field evaluation of EPF against termites in Malaysia. Evaluation on the efficiency of M. anisopliae in the field should be conducted so that its efficacy could be proven and marketed.
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We present a review on the principal interactions between birds and termites in Brazil. We found 218 bird species feeding on termites or using termitaria for nesting or perching. Termites were mentioned as food source for 179 bird species. Alates were the most consumed caste. Termitaria were mentioned as nest site for 45 bird species. Some bird species also perch on the top of termite mounds to search for their prey or to conduct territorial and/or courtship displays. Considering all interactions between both animal groups, little is known about the identification of termite genera or species. Therefore, we suggest more detailed studies to be conducted on the natural history and ecology of interactions between birds and termites in Brazil.
Apresentamos aqui uma revisão sobre as principais interações entre aves e cupins no Brasil. Foram registradas 218 espécies de aves alimentando-se de cupins ou usando cupinzeiros para nidificar ou se empoleirar. Os cupins foram citados como recurso alimentar para 179 espécies de aves, sendo as formas aladas as mais consumidas. Os cupinzeiros foram citados como sítio de nidificação para 45 espécies de aves. Algumas espécies de aves também se empoleiram no alto de termiteiros para localizar suas presas ou para realizar exibições territoriais e/ou de corte. Considerando-se todas as interações entre ambos os grupos de animais, pouco ainda se conhece sobre a identificação dos gêneros e espécies de térmitas envolvidos. Assim, sugerimos a realização de estudos mais detalhados sobre história natural e ecologia das interações entre aves e cupins no Brasil.
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This study was performed to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and termite repellent effects of citronella oil (CiO) and lemongrass oil (LO). When the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus with various levels of antibacterial resistance were tested, a 0.05% concentration of CiO and LO completely inhibited the growth of all tested S. aureus strains. Evaluation of the antioxidant effect demonstrated that the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of CiO was 2~3 times greater than that of LO. Among trial products made with various combinations of CiO and LO, a CiO : LO ratio of 6 : 4 had the most potent termite repellent effects. Assessment of acute toxicity of the trial product showed that the LD50 was more than 2,000 mg/kg. Based on the above results, CiO and LO have antibacterial, antioxidant, and termite repellent activities. Therefore, both compounds could be potential termites repellent reagents.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Cymbopogon , Indicators and Reagents , Isoptera , Lethal Dose 50 , StaphylococcusABSTRACT
Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) é considerada uma das espécies mais destrutivas de cupins subterrâneos, por causar danos a edificações, à arborização urbana e a culturas. Uma alternativa para o controle desse inseto pode ser o uso de agentes biocontroladores, como os fungos entomopatogênicos. Isaria (Persoon) tem sido indicado no controle de térmitas subterrâneos, inclusive do gênero Coptotermes. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo selecionar isolados de Isaria patogênicos ao cupim C. gestroi. Os insetos pulverizados com suspensões fúngicas de I. farinosa, I. fumosorosea e I. javanica foram avaliados diariamente para a determinação da mortalidade. Todos os isolados foram patogênicos, ocasionando mortalidade acima de 70%, e virulentos, apresentando uma sobrevivência média de 2,0 a 3,9 dias. Contudo, os isolados ESALQ-1205 de I. farinosa, ESALQ-1296 de I. fumosorosea e os isolados URM-4995 e URM-4993 de I. javanica mostraram-se mais virulentos. A CL50estimada para os isolados ESALQ-1205 de I. farinosa, URM-4995 de I. javanica e ESALQ-1296 de I. fumosorosea resultou em valores de 3,7 x 105, 1,4 x 106e 2,7 x 106conídios mL-1, respectivamente. Tais resultados confirmam a eficiência dos isolados testados sobre os operários de C. gestroi. No entanto, novos estudos são necessários para verificar a melhor forma de utilização, bem como a sua efetividade em campo.(AU)
Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) is considered to be one of the most destructive species of subterranean termites because of the damage caused on edifications, urban trees, and crops. One alternative to control it is the use of biocontrol agents, such as the entomopathogenic fungi. The genus Isaria (Persoon) has been suggested for the control of subterranean termites, including the Coptotermes genus. Therefore, the present work aim was to select isolates of Isaria pathogenic to C. gestroi. The workers were sprayed with fungi suspensions of I. farinosa, I. fumosorosea and I. javanica, and evaluated every day to determine mortality. All isolates were pathogenic towards C. gestroi with mortality rates higher than 70%, and virulent, with mean of survival of 2.0 up to 3.9 days. Among the isolates, the ESALQ-1205 isolate of I. farinosa, the ESALQ-1296 isolate of I. fumosorosea, URM-4995 and URM-4993 isolates of I. javanica showed the highest virulence. The estimated CL50 for the ESALQ-1205 isolate of I. farinosa, URM-4995 isolate of I. javanica and ESALQ-1296 isolate of I. fumosorosea was 3.7 x 105, 1.4 x 106and 2.7 x 106 conidia mL-1, respectively. These results suggest high efficiency of these isolates towards the C. gestroi workers. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to determine a way of using them as well as their efficacy in field.(AU)
Subject(s)
Pest Control, Biological , Isoptera , FungiABSTRACT
The first record of the West Indian drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker, 1853) in the city of Corrientes (Argentina) is reported. Several C. brevis colonies were detected inside a local deposit, from wooden crates used for carrying fresh fruits. The observed damage consisted of small rounded holes, partially hollowed wood pieces and presence of debris. The importance of weather factors and the type of material of vegetable and fruit containers in the colonization and dispersion of C. brevis in this region of Argentina are discussed. Illustrations of soldiers and reproductive C. brevis, and an updated map of the distribution of this termite in Argentina are given.
Se presenta el primer registro de Cryptotermes brevis (Walker, 1853) en la ciudad de Corrientes (Argentina). Se detectaron varias colonias de esta termita dentro de un edificio en contenedores de madera empleados para el transporte de fruta fresca. Los daños observados consistieron en orificios redondos, piezas de madera parcialmente excavadas y presencia de debris fecales. Se discute la importancia de factores climatológicos y del tipo de material de contenedores de fruta, en la colonización y dispersión de C. brevis en esta región de Argentina. Se presentan ilustraciones de soldados y reproductores de C. brevis y un mapa actualizado de la distribución de esta termita en Argentina.
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Nest plasticity of Cornitermes silvestrii (Isoptera, Termitidae, Syntermitinae) in response to flood pulse in the Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The Pantanal is one of the largest wetlands in the world. Since many areas in Pantanal are flooded during part of the year, it is expected that plants and animals would have mechanisms for their survival during the flooded period. This study investigated the existence of differences in nest shape and inquilines of Cornitermes silvestrii in areas influenced by the flood pulse. We measured the volume, height, width, and height/width ratio of 32 nests in flooded areas and 27 in dry areas, and performed an one-way-Anova with the quasi-Poisson distribution to determine if there were differences in the nest measurements between the points. To analyze the relationship of nest inquilines to flood pulse and nest shape, we performed a regression with a Poisson distribution with the inquiline richness and flood pulse, and the above measurements. The nests of C. silvestrii in flooded areas were significantly higher than nests in dry areas, and had a larger height/width ratio. Colonies in periodically flooded areas would probably make a larger effort to extend their nests vertically, to maintain at least some portion of the structure out of the water and prevent the entire colony from being submerged. Neither the size of the nest nor the flood pulses influenced the assemblage of 11 species found in nests of C. silvestrii.
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O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar a resistência natural da madeira de teca (Tectona grandis) a fungos e térmitas xilófagos em condições de laboratório. As árvores empregadas possuíam 15 anos de idade, provenientes de um plantio da Empresa Celulose Nipo Brasileira - CENIBRA S.A., localizada no município de Belo Oriente, Estado de Minas Gerais. Para a determinação da resistência natural da madeira a agentes xilófagos, foram realizados ensaios de apodrecimento acelerado em laboratório com os fungos Postia placenta, Neolentinus lepideus, Polyporus fumosus, e de preferência alimentar com cupins subterrâneos Nasutitermes sp. Corpos de prova foram retirados em quatro posições no sentido medula casca: cerne interno (próximo da medula), cerne intermediário, cerne externo (próximo ao alburno) e no alburno, na altura de 1,30m do nível do solo e submetidos à ação dos fungos por 13 semanas e cupins por 45 dias. Constatou-se que o cerne da madeira de teca proveniente do Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, foi altamente resistente, tendo o cerne interno sido menos resistente que as demais porções do cerne à ação dos agentes xilófagos, enquanto a madeira de alburno foi classificada como de resistência moderada (Polyporus fumosus) ou resistente (Postia placenta e Neolentinus lepideus).
This research aimed to evaluate the natural resistance of teak wood (Tectona grandis) to xylophagous fungi and termites in laboratory conditions. It was used trees with fifteen years old, from a plantation of the Forest Enterprise Celulose Nipo Brasileira - CENIBRA S.A., located in Belo Oriente, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. To determine the natural resistance of teak wood in laboratory were employed the Postia placenta, Neolentinus lepideus, Polyporus fumosus and Fomes connatus fungi and to termites resistance was employed the feeding preference assay with subterranean termites Nasutitermes sp. Samples were taken from four positions in the stem (heartwood near the pith, heartwood intermediate, outer heartwood and sapwood) at 1,30m to soil level and submitted to the action of fungi for thirteen weeks and termites for 45 days. It was found that the heartwood of teakwood from the Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais State, Brazil was highly resistant. The internal heartwood was less resistant than the other portions of the heartwood to action of wood decay agents, while the sapwood was classified as moderately resistant (Polyporus fumosus) or resistant (Postia placenta and Neolentinus lepideus).
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Objective To observe the eftccts of the extract of termitarium on the climbing ability and life span of Parkinson disease (PD)drosophila(Ddc GAL4/+ ;UAS-wild type α-synuclein/I ),and to explore its mechanism of anti- PD. Methods The termitarium was extracted by ethanol.PD drosophilas overexpressed α-synuclein were fed with 1,10 and 100 mg of termitarium per 100 g culture medium.The climbing ability and life span of drosophilas and pathological changes of its brain tissue (Congo red staining) were observed and compared among different concentrations. Results Termitarium enhanced the climbing ability of PD drosophilas and the most significant improvement appeared from 18 d to 36 d after eclosion,increasing with more termitarium concentrations and growing age of PD drosophilas.Termitarium also prolonged the life span among which male and female drosophila were longer 31.82 ％ ～ 3.34 ％,1.47 ％ ～ 3.34 ％ as compared with PD drosophila control (all P＜0.05).The brain cells number in the PD drosophilas were increased and empty bubble was decreased by rermitarium, accompanying with improvement of behavior and life span.Conclusions Termitarium can improve behavior and prolong life span of PD drosophilas.
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Termites (Order: Isoptera) constitute an integral component of various ecosystems in Africa. Termites are also amongst the most difficult insects to study because of their cryptic behaviour and natural nesting habitat. There are around 2600 species of termites in 280 genera which have been described worldwide and about 39% of the total termite species are found in Africa. Termite identification is crucial to understanding termite distribution and their relationship to climate change. Some termite species are well known pests of agricultural crops, forest trees, wood products and timber-in-service causing considerable damage in Africa. This review paper attempts to collate information on African termite distribution and climate change and highlights some knowledge gaps. Africa is the origin of the termite family of Macrotermitinae. The paper focuses more on economically important termite species in Africa. The use of traditional identification methods coupled with molecular techniques in resolving some of the challenges in termite distribution with particular reference to climate change in Africa are discussed. There is scant information on published literature on the impact of climate change on termites with particular reference to termite distribution in Africa. However there is anectodal evidence to suggest that African termite species will be affected by changes in the local and global climate.
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A ordem Isoptera é bastante conhecida pelo seu potencial como praga, apesar dos cupins-praga constituírem a minoria dentro do grupo. Os cupins (térmitas) são invertebrados dominantes em ambientes terrestres tropicais e estão espalhados desde as florestas úmidas até as savanas, sendo encontrados até mesmo em regiões áridas, nos mais variados habitats. Esses insetos têm um papel destacado e ainda pouco estudado nos ecossistemas tropicais. Ciclagem de nutrientes, aeração, infiltração de água do solo, bioturbação, formação de agregados e decomposição de material orgânico, são processos influenciados pela ação dos térmitas, que vão, direta ou indiretamente, influenciar a formação dos solos e da paisagem onde se encontram. Sugerimos que uma maior abordagem deva ser dirigida em futuras pesquisas para a influência desses insetos no solo sob condições específicas de uso e manejo, na produção sustentável de alimentos e nas mudanças climáticas.
The order Isoptera is well known by its potential as a plague, although the number of species that are plagues is small within the group. Termites are the dominant invertebrates in tropical terrestrial environments and are spread from tropical rainforests to the savannahs, being found even in arid regions, in various habitats. These insects have a major role and are still little studied in tropical ecosystems. Nutrient cycling, aeration, water infiltration of soil, bioturbation, aggregates formation and organic material decomposition, are processes influenced by the action of termites, which , directly or indirectly, affect soil and landscape formation wherever they are. We suggest that a better approach must be addressed in future researches about these insects influence in the soil under specified conditions of use and management, in sustainable food production and climate changes.
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Inherited symbionts play an important role in the ecology and evolution of many species. One such inherited symbiont, Wolbachia, is known to have many interesting and diverse symbiotic associations with its arthropod and nematode hosts, ranging from parasitism to mutualism (Werren et al. 2008). The organism is notable for signifi cantly altering the reproductive capabilities of its arthropod hosts and manipulating their cell biology by inducing different phenotypes such as male killing, feminization, parthenogenesis, cytoplasmic incompatibility (sperm–egg incompatibility) and even speciation in certain species (Werren et al. 2008). These interactions become more interesting due to the spatial variation and phenotype of Wolbachia strains. Wolbachia strains that are genotypically very closely related can induce diverse phenotypic effects in different hosts, whereas different strains can induce similar phenotypic effects in the same hosts (Jiggins et al. 2002). Therefore, characterization of the Wolbachia genotype and its phenotypic effect in different hosts is important for understanding the ecology and evolution of different species. Since Wolbachia cannot be cultured outside host cells, traditional microbiological methods cannot be applied to study these bacteria. Currently, they are categorized into eleven different ‘supergroups’ (labelled alphabetically A–K) on the basis of clades formed in gene phylogenies (Lo et al. 2002; Bordenstein and Rosengaus 2005; Casiraghi et al. 2005; Ros et al. 2009). Termites are a group of social insects usually classifi ed in the taxonomic rank of order Isoptera, and described as ‘ecosystem engineers’ due to their important role in providing soil ecosystem services. They are major detrivores, particularly in the subtropical and tropical regions, and their recycling of wood and other plant matter is of considerable ecological importance (Harris 1971). Their ancient origin (Devonian period), great diversity and considerable ecological, biological and behavioural plasticity suggests that characterization of Wolbachia in this group is needed in order to understand the impact of the symbiont on termite reproduction, evolution and speciation (Roy and Harry 2007). The phenotypic effects of Wolbachia in Isoptera are still unknown but molecular data concerning these termite symbionts have recently become available. The available literature suggests the occurrence of Wolbachia in termite families Termopsidae, Kalotermitidae, Serritermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae. Four phylogenetically different Wolbachia supergroups have been reported in termites. Twenty termite species have been reported to harbour Wolbachia. Out of these, thirteen species (Kalotermes fl avicollis, Coptotermes lacteus, Coptotermes acinaciformis, Cryptotermes secundus, Heterotermes sp., Nasutitermes takasagoensis, Nasutitermes sp., Nasutitermes nigriceps, Hospitalitermes mediofl avus, Microcerotermes sp., Apilitermes longiceps, Labiotermes labralis, Microtermes sp.) have supergroup F Wolbachia infection (Casiraghi et al. 2005; Lo et al. 2002; Lo and Evans 2007; Roy and Harry 2007). Two Zootermopsis species (Zootermopsis nevadensis and Zootermopsis angusticollis) carry supergroup H Wolbachia (Bordenstein and Rosengaus 2005). Cubitermes sp. affi nis subarquatus harbour diverse types of Wolbachia belonging to the supergroup A and B clade (Roy and Harry 2007), Incisitermes snyderi carry supergroup A Wolbachia (Baldo et al. 2006), while Wolbachia from Serritermes serrifer, Neotermes luykxi and Neotermes jouteli belong to a divergent sister clade within supergroup A (Lo and Evans 2007). Termites, like other groups of arthropods, can tolerate Wolbachia of more than one supergroup, although individual species can harbour only single infections. This provides some evidence for the horizontal transmission of Wolbachia. Infection with different Wolbachia supergroups in various termite species can be parsimoniously explained by independent acquisition of these lineages in termites, rather than a single ancient ancestral infection, with subsequent divergence and/or widespread loss (Bordenstein and Rosengaus 2005).
ABSTRACT
Neste estudo foi analisada a riqueza, a abundância, os sítios de nidificação, o padrão de distribuição espacial, a densidade dos sítios potenciais disponíveis e dos sítios nidificados pelas espécies de abelhas sem ferrão do gênero Partamona e dos termiteiros arbóreos nidificados pelas abelhas, em uma área restrita de caatinga arbórea, em Milagres, Bahia, Brasil. Duas espécies ocorreram em simpatria, Partamona rustica (94,1 por cento) e Partamona cupira (5,9 por cento), ambas nidificando em termiteiros arbóreos da espécie Constrictotermes cyphergaster. Outras três espécies de termiteiros arbóreos ocorreram na área (Nasutitermes corniger, Nasutitermes macrocephalus e Microcerotermes sp.). Os térmitas arbóreos nidificaram principalmente na umburana (Commiphora leptophloeos). As espécies de abelhas do gênero Partamona têm como estratégia de nidificação na caatinga utilizar cavidades pré-existentes que consistem em ocos abertos em termiteiros arbóreos pelo periquito jandaia (Aratinga cactorum), para reprodução. Após o nascimento dos filhotes, o oco é abandonado e em seguida uma colônia de abelhas do gênero Partamona constrói ali o seu ninho, ocupando-o e isolando-o com geoprópolis, sendo freqüente a ocupação destes ocos por outros inquilinos.
The species richness, abundance, nesting sites, spatial distribution pattern, density of available substrates and substrates used for nesting by Partamona species were studied in a restricted area of a tropical dry forest/woodlands ecosystem called "arboreal caatinga" in Milagres, Bahia State, Brazil. Two species of the genus Partamona, occurred in the studied area, Partamona rustica (94.1 percent) and Partamona cupira (5.9 percent), both nested in arboreal termites nests of the Constrictotermes cyphergaster species. Other three species of arboreal termites' nests occurred in the area (Nasutitermes corniger, Nasutitermes macrocephalus and Microcerotermes sp.). The arboreal termites had nested mainly in "umburana" (Commiphora lepthophloeos). The nesting strategy of Partamona species consist in occupying preexisting cavities opened in arboreal termites nested by a parakeet called "jandaia" (Aratinga cactorum), for reproduction. After the birth of the younglings, the cavity is abandoned and after that a colony of Partamona bees occupies it and starts its nest construction, isolating it with mud and resin. Frequently these cavities are occupied by other inquilines.
Subject(s)
Bees/classification , Biodiversity , Ecology/classification , Ecology/instrumentation , Flora/analysis , Reproduction , TreesABSTRACT
The collection of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), in the city of Belém, State of Pará, Brazil, has 65 samples of type-specimens of Isoptera, representing 26 species (21 holotypes and 5 paratypes) of 18 genera. This paper lists the number of specimens of each caste in each type series, type localities with geographical coordinates, collectors, and dates of collection.
A Coleção do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), na cidade de Belém, Estado do Pará, Brasil, possui 65 amostras que são exemplares-tipos de Isoptera, representando 26 espécies (21 holótipos e 5 parátipos) pertencentes a 18 gêneros. Este trabalho lista o número de espécimes de cada casta em cada série-tipo, localidade tipo com as coordenadas geográficas, coletor e dados da coleta.
Subject(s)
Amazonian Ecosystem , Collection , IsopteraABSTRACT
The alimentary preferences of five species of wood-feeding termites of the genus Nasutitermes that coexist in the inundated forests of the floodplains of the Amazon river várzea for species of fresh wood and for wood in different stages of decomposition was evaluated in laboratory tests. Wood of low density was generally preferred; the decay stages were preferred over fresh wood. The five termite species differ in the amplitude of their choices, indicating a strong differentiation in food choice among them. Differences in feeding preferences may be a niche-separating factor for these five Nasutitermes species of the floodplains.
A preferência alimentar de cinco espécies de térmitas xilófagos do gênero Nasutitermes que coexistem nas florestas alagáveis da várzea do Rio Solimões/Amazonas por espécies de madeira sã e por madeira em diferentes estágios de decomposição foi avaliada em testes de laboratório. Madeira de baixa densidade foi geralmente preferida; os estágios de decomposição foram preferidas sobre a madeira sã. As cinco espécies de térmitas diferem na amplitude de sua escolha, o que indica uma diferenciação forte entre ela na escolha do alimento. Estas diferenças na preferência alimentar podem ser um fator separador de nicho para as espécies de Nasutitermes da várzea.
ABSTRACT
The leaf-feeding species Syntermes molestus and S. spinosus are two dominant termite species in Reserva Ducke in Central Amazonia; two other species (S. aculeosus, S. longiceps) exist in the area. All species except S. aculeosus were also found in urban areas. The workers of S. molestus and S. spinosus have average body dry weights of 4.5±0.2 and 13.1±1.4 mg, and the weight of their soldiers is 8.2±0.2 and 51.0±1.7 mg, respectively. Therefore, S. spinosus is among the largest termites of the world. In both species, fresh weight is about 4.7 higher than dry weight (a wider relation than in other termite species). The biomass of the populations of both species amounted to about 1 g m-2 (dry weight; indirect estimate), which rises previous assessments of the total termite biomass by about 36-45%, to a value of 3.0-3.5 g m-2.
As espécies comedoras de folhas Syntermes molestus and S. spinosus são duas espécies de cupins dominantes na Reserva Ducke na Amazônia Central; duas outras espécies (S. aculeosus, S. longiceps) existem na área. Todas as espécies (exceto S. aculeosus) são encontradas também em áreas urbanas. O peso seco médio do corpo dos operários de S. molestus e S. spinosus é de 4,5±0,2 e 13,1±1,4 mg, e dos soldados é de 8,2±0,2 and 51,0±1,7 mg, respectivamente. Por isto, S. spinosus está entre os maiores cupins do mundo. Em ambas espécies, o peso fresco é cerca de 4,7 vezes mais alto que o peso seco (uma proporção maior que em outras espécies de cupins). A biomassa das populações de ambas espécies foi avaliada em cerca de 1 g m-2 (peso seco; estimativa indireta), o que eleva estimativas anteriores da biomassa total de térmitas em cerca de 36-45%, a um valor de 3,0-3,5 g m-2.
ABSTRACT
The intensity of construction of foraging access holes by two leaf-litter feeding, soil- inhabiting termite species, Syntermes molestus and Syntermes spinosus, in a Central Amazonian rain forest, was observed on consecutive nights for two weeks. Between 11 and 48 nest entrances per m2 were counted. Interaction between the two species was intense; some entrance holes were overtaken by the larger species during the observations; however, both species coexist in the area. A calculated minimum of 35 entrances/m2 is built every year by both species, emphasizing the importance of soil-burrowing termites for soil structure, aeration and water regime.
A intensidade de construções de saídas de forrageamento em duas espécies de cupins subterrâneos que se alimentam de serrapilheira, Syntermes molestus e S. spinosus, numa floresta tropical úmida da Amazônia Central, foi observada em noites consecutivas durante duas semanas. Foram contadas entre 11 e 48 entradas de ninho por m2. A interação entre as duas espécies foi intensa; alguns dos olheiros foram conquistados pela espécie maior durante as observações; mesmo assim, ambas espécies coexistem na área. Um mínimo calculado de 35 entradas/m2 é construído cada ano por ambas as espécies, o que enfatiza a importância de cupins de solo para a estrutura, aeração e regime hídrico do solo.