JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology

The correlation between the height of mounds produced by Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) and their basal diameter

Author:T.G. AVINASH AND N.G. KUMAR

Abstract :

The research was conducted in the pristine ecosystems of the GKVK campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The O. obesus mound displayed a conical structure with one or multiple hollow conical turrets. The upper part of the mound exhibited a smaller circumference compared to the lower portion. The inner wall of the mound was characterized by a smooth surface with small pinhead-like depressions (pinholes). The number of pinholes was observed to be higher in the upper region and lower in the lower area. At the base of the mound, the turret wall thickness was substantial and rigid, measuring between 1.8-4.2 cm with an average thickness of 3.1±0.78 cm. A noteworthy positive correlation (r = 0.855) between the increase in the circumference of the base and the height of the mound was observed. The study findings revealed that the influence of the base circumference on the mound's height (r2 =0.73) was 73 percent, underscoring the significant role of the base circumference in determining the mound's height. Additionally, the study indicated that a unit increase in the base circumference corresponded to a 2.00 unit increase in the height of the mound.

References :

Ashok Kumar, C. T., 1987. Studies on the termite species occurring at the Main Research Station, Hebbal, Bengaluru and some ecological aspects of Microtermes obsesi Holmgren (Isoptera: Termitidae). Ph. D. thesis, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, p.172.

Bouilon, A., 1964. Structure at Accroissement des nidsdiapicotermes Holngren (Isoptera; Termitinae) In; Btudes Sun Les Termites Africans (Ed. A. Bouilon). pp.295-326. Masson, Parris.

Bouilon, A., and Lekie, R., 1964. Populations, rythmed activity diurne et cycle de eroissance du aid de Cubitermes sankurensls Wasmann (Isoptera: Termitinae). In; Btudes Sun Les Termites Africans (Ed. A. Bouilon). pp.215-230. Masson, Parris.

Chhotani, O. B., 1970. Taxonomy, zoogeography and phylogeny of the genus Cryptotermes (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) from the oriental region. Mem. Zool. Sury. India, 15 (1): 1-81.

Chhotani, O. B., 1980. Termite pests of agriculture in the Indian region and their control. Tech. Monogr. No. 4, Zoological Survey of India. pp 94.

Gupta, S. D., 1953. Ecological studies of termites. PART II- Occurrence of deserted royal chambers, the directional position of the queen and size of the queen with respect to mound size in the mound building termite, Odontotemes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera : Termitidae). Proc. Nat. Inst. Sci. India, 19 (5):705-712.

Kumar, N. G., 1991. Studies on the ecology of the subterranean termite, Odontotermes horni (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Termitidae) and its foraging effects on the soil nutrient status. Ph.D. Thesis submitted to University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, p 232.

Pomeroy, D. E., 1976. Some effects of mound building termites on soils in Uganda. J. Soil  Sci., 27: 377-394.

Rajagopal, D., 1979. Ecological studies of the mound building termite, Odontotermes wallonensis (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Termitidae), Ph.D. Thesis, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, P.205.

Rajagopal, D., 2002. Economically important termite species in India. Sociobiology, 40(1): 33-46.

Rashmi, R. S. and Sundararaj, R., 2013. Host range, pest status and distribution of wood destroying termites of India. Journal of Tropical Asian Entomology, 2:12–27.

Roonwal, M. L., 1958. Recent world on termite research in India (1947-57). Trans. Bose Res. Inst., 22:77-100.

Roonwal, M. L., 1960. Biology and ecology of oriental termites No., 5. Mound structure, nest and moisture content of fungus combs in Odontotermes obesus, with a discussion on the association of fungus with termites. Rec. Indian Mus., 58: 131-150.

Roonwal, M. L. and Bose, G, 1970. Taxonomy and Zoogeography of the termite fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Rec. Zool. Surv. India, 62 (3 and 4): 109-170.

Roonwal, M. L. and Gupta, S. D., 1952. A unusual royal chamber with two kings and two queens in the mound building termite, Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera: Termitidae). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 51(1): 293-294.

Sands, W. A., 1961. Nest structure and size distribution in the genus Trinervitermes (Isoptera: Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae) in West Africa. Insects Soc., 8: 177-188.

Skaife, S. H., 1955. Dwellers in darkness. Longmans Green, London. pp. 134.

Sudhakar, K., 1983. Relative abundance of termite species and crop losses due to them in an agroforest ecosystem. Ph.D. thesis, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, p.144.

Veeranna, G. and Basalingappa, S., 1989. Nesting pattern of the termites Odontotemes obesus Rambur and Odontotermes wallonensis Wasmann (Isoptera: Termitidae). Insect Sci. Applic., 10(2): 169-180.