Survival of termites (Isoptera) exposed to various levels of relative humidity (RH) and water availability, and their RH preferences

Authors

  • John Zukowski University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department
  • Nan-Yao Su 1University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department

Keywords:

dampwood termite, desiccation, drywood termite, huddling, subterranean termite,

Abstract

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 of water. These two species also did not exhibit a preference for a certain RH.

 

Resumen

Se cree que las termitas (Isoptera) son uno de los insectos más propensos a la desecación. Deben combatir la desecación mediante la localización y conservación eficiente de los recursos hídricos. Las termitas han desarrollado características morfológicas, fisiológicas y de comportamiento que ayudan en la tolerancia a la desecación. En 3 estudios con 4 especies de termitas, se examinaron las preferencias de tolerancia a la pérdida de agua y de humedad relativa (RH) de las termitas expuestas a 5 diferentes RH, así como el uso de diferentes fuentes de agua. Nuestros resultados mostraron que Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Rhinotermitidae) prefirió y sobrevivió mejor a alto RH y con fuentes de agua fácilmente disponibles. Neotermes jouteli (Banks en Banks & Snyder) (Kalotermitidae) también prefirió un RH alto, pero fue más capaz de tolerar un RH más bajo y una falta de agua libre que C. formosanus. Cryptotermes brevis Walker (Kalotermitidae) y Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks (Kalotermitidae) no mostraron mayor supervivencia en un cierto RH ni cuando se expusieron a diversas fuentes de agua. Estas dos especies tampoco mostraron preferencia por un HR determinado.

 

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Published

2017-10-10

Issue

Vol. 100, No. 3 (September 2017)

Section

Research Papers

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