Comparison of tunneling in the laboratory and field by the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

摘要

Differences in tunneling between small groups of Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) foragers in the laboratory and foragers in the field environment were investigated. Groups from two different colonies showed no differences in amount of tunneling and wood consumption under controlled laboratory conditions; however, significant differences in tunneling and feeding were found when comparing the same two colonies in the field. Possible reasons for variation in tunneling rate between field colonies are discussed. Population estimates suggested that colony size could be a factor. Observations on tunneling in the field over a three-day period indicated that tunneling rate may also be related to air temperature, with a lag effect.