Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil

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 were overtaken by the larger species during the observations; however, both species coexist in the area. A calculated minimum of 35 entrances/m 2 is built every year by both species, emphasizing the importance of soil-burrowing termites for soil structure, aeration and water regime.

The importance of leaf- and litter-feeding invertebrates as sources of animal protein for the Amazonian Amerindians

“…mean production litter and leaf consumption (kg ha 71 year 71 ) (kg dry weight ha 71 ) a earthworms b Based on estimations by ¢eld observations in the Alto Rio Padamo of ten colonies per hectare, and a living biomass of 70 kg ha 71 . These quantities are lower than the evaluations made near Manaus(Martius 1998;Martius & Weller 1998).…”

“…These quantities are lower than the evaluations made near Manaus (Martius 1998;Martius & Weller 1998). d Based on estimations by di¡erent researchers (Pimentel 1988).…”