JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology

The inquilines (Microtermes obesi),termitophile associates, and natural enemies of the subterranean termite, Odontotermes horni (Wasmann)

Author: N. G. KUMAR

Abstract :

The inquilines, termitophile associates, and natural enemies of subterranean nest-building termite Odontotermes horni were investigated at the GKVK, Bengaluru, India. The results showed that the subterranean termites Microtermes obesi and Dicuspiditermes sp were observed as inquilines. A simple royal chamber with a royal pair of M. obesi, scattered fungus combs and egg depository cavities was observed in the nesting area of O. horni. Mites, Lasioseis spp., and unidentified phorid flies were collected as termitophile associates. The ants, Leptogenys processionalis, Camponotus compressus, C. sericeus, reduviid bug, Anacanthaspis pedestris, carabid beetles, Ompra pilosa, common frog, Bufo melanastictus as predators.

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