Multiple reproductives in nests of the Neotropical termite Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvester, 1901) builds arboreal nests in Brazilian Cerrado stricto sensu, which are frequently cohabited by inquilines termites and by termitophiles. In a study made at the Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas, Goiás, Brazil, there were four nests with multiple reproductives, and secondary reproductives were found in 26 nests. Nymphs of Inquilinitermes were more abundant (9,47%) than nymphs of C. cyphergaster (0,78%).

Biomass and population structure of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri) (Isoptera: termitidae) in the dry forest of caatinga, northeastern Brazil

“…Apparently, the nests of C. cyphergaster represent an important structural element in the studied area of caatinga. According to Cunha & Brandão (2000), in an area of cerrado, active nests of C. cyphergaster may harbor organisms of several trophic levels. In the caatinga, the abandoned nests of C. cyphergaster are used as a refuge of invertebrates, such as spiders, scorpions, ants, bees and even other species of termites (e.g.…”

“…In the caatinga, this is the main termite species that builds conspicuous nests (Mélo & Bandeira 2004). Their active nests can harbor many individuals, including other species of termites, such as Inquilinitermes fur (Silvestri) or I. microcerus (Silvestri), which are considered obligatory inquilines (Mathews 1977, Cunha & Brandão 2000.…”

Terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) in termite nests (Blattodea: Termitidae) in a cocoa plantation in Brazil

“…The secondary occupants of termite nests are ants, beetles, spiders, roaches, lizards, species of termites different from those that have built the structure and even parrots, parakeets and the campos flicker (Davis 1942, Camargo 1970, Grassé 1986, Miura & Matsumoto 1997, Brightsmith 2005, Sanchez-Martinez & Renton 2009). Termitophilous animals are those that have a necessary relationship with the society of termites (Domingos 1983), spending part or all life in the nest (Cunha & Brandão 2000). The termitariophilous animals are those that form a voluntary association with termite mounds in search of housing, shelter, food or nesting site (Cunha & Brandão 2000).…”

“…Termitophilous animals are those that have a necessary relationship with the society of termites (Domingos 1983), spending part or all life in the nest (Cunha & Brandão 2000). The termitariophilous animals are those that form a voluntary association with termite mounds in search of housing, shelter, food or nesting site (Cunha & Brandão 2000).…”

Ant fauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) associated to arboreal nests of Nasutitermes spp: (Isoptera, Termitidae) in a cacao plantation in southeastern Bahia, Brazil

“…Several studies have recently presented many data on the presence of these organisms inside the termitaria (Delabie 1995;Dejean et al 1996;Cunha & Brandão 2000;Diehl et al 2005). Ants have a natural tendency to install their colonies in termite nests, whether active or abandoned (Wheeler 1936), probably because of the numerous cavities available that offer the shelter of a semi-permanent structure.…”