Penetration of lahar aggregates by Philippine subterranean termites (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Issue Date

1-2006

Abstract

Lahar aggregates from Mt. Pinatubo consisting of uniform or mixed particles were tested as physical barriers to prevent tunneling and penetration of Nasutitermes luzonicus, Macrotermes gilvus and Microcerotermes losbanosensis. Uniform particle diameter in the range of 1.18 - 1.40 mm to 2.0 - 2.36 mm prevented N. luzonicus and M. losbanosensis or 1.70 - 2.00 mm to 2.00 - 2.36 mm for M. gilvus from penetrating the lahar barrier. When several particle sizes in the diameter range 1.18 - 2.36 mm or 1.70 - 2.36 mm were uniformly mixed, the resultant barrier prevented penetration of N. luzonicus or M. losbanosensis and M. gilvus, respectively. Repellency tests showed that lahar particles were neither repellent nor toxic to N. luzonicus, M. gilvus and M. losbanosensis. Field evaluations using mixed particle sizes 1.18 - 2.36 mm and 1.70 - 2.36 mm performed very well in preventing tunneling of field colonies of M. losbanosensis and M. gilvus, respectively.

Source or Periodical Title

Sociobiology

ISSN

3616525

Volume

21

Issue

1

Page

189-200

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Lahar, Macrotermes gilvus, Microcerotermes losbanosensis, Nasutitermes luzonicus, Physical barrier, Termitidae

Digital Copy

YES

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