Changes in the composition and activities of termite communities in relation to changing rainfall

Abstract

The foraging activities of termites were measured at nine sites distributed along a rainfall gradient in Tsavo National Park, Kenya. Dead wood disappearance (D, g ma) was mainly attributable to termites and was related to rainfall (R, mm a) by the equation [Formula: see text] Foraging activity was highest during rainy seasons and declined to low levels during the long dry season. The number of species increased with increasing rainfall while the importance of fungus growing Macrotermitinae declined.

Seasonal activity patterns of African savanna termites vary across a rainfall gradient

“…This is in stark contrast to our findings and other studies looking at functionally similar termites (Buxton, 1981;Abensperg-Traun, 1991;DawesGromadzki and Spain, 2003). Braack (1995) assessed termite activity by recording surface runways once a month.…”

“…Termite activity and species richness was highest during the wet and transitional seasons at all sites, following the general trend for insect activity (Wolda, 1988) and in agreement with similar findings for termites recorded elsewhere (e.g., east Africa: Buxton (1981), Western Australia:…”

“…While some studies record higher levels of termite abundance and activity during the wettest months of the year in savannas (Buxton, 1981;Pinheiro et al, 2002), others measured higher levels of termite activity in drought years and months of lower rainfall (Ohiagu, 1979;Braack, 1995) while still others recorded highest activity in the transitional season between wet and dry months (Dawes-Gromadzki and Spain, 2003, see also Abensperg-Traun 1991 for similar findings in Western Australia). Such contrasting responses in different savanna areas have resulted in unclear patterns with a need for more comprehensive studies.…”

Comparison of Coptotermes formosanus and Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Field Sites and Seasonal Foraging Activity in Hawaii

“…Bouillon (1970) found that seasonal variations are directly correlated with termite foraging activities. Buxton (1981) also noted that the number of termites in the colony, the production of new individuals and the amount of food already stored in the nest fluctuated according to the season. In contrast, however, Dawes-Gromadzki & Spain (2003) found no direct relationships between rainfall and termite species richness, or frequency and intensity of attack on baits during a field investigation of seasonal patterns in the activity and species richness of surface-foraging termites at paper baits in a tropical Australian savanna.…”

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

“…Moura et al (2006b) observed in the same area where this study was performed, that during the wet season, colonies of C. cyphergaster of workers and in the frequency of foraging events. According to Buxton (1981), in the Savannas of Kenya, the foraging leading to a higher consumption of wood. The density of conspicuous nests with volumes larger than 0.1 L was within the range recorded in other ecosystems in the Neotropical region (Mathews 1977, Gontijo & Domingos 1991, Martius 1994.…”