JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology

The weight of termites [Odontotermes horni (Wasmann) ] replaced soil with the height of sheeting on the trees

Authors: N.G. KUMAR, K.V. PRAKASH AND T.G. AVINASH

Abstract:

Odontotermes horni (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Termitidae) construct the subterranean nest, and the worker forages on the organic residues of the various kind during favourable conditions. The soldiers accompanied the workers in different proportions during foraging activities. Since these casts are soft-bodied insects and construct the earthen sheeting while foraging to protect themselves from the abiotic factors and natural enemies. The present investigation was carried out in the natural grassland with sparse trees in the botanical garden. The workers constructed earthen sheetings were collected at 15,30,60,90,120,150, and 180 cm per 11.34 sq cm area from the soil surface on the tree trunk. The workers deposited 3.84 and 1.72 g of soil per 11.34 sq. cm at 15 and 180 cm above the soil surface on the tree trunk, respectively. The weight of the replaced soil per unit area had a positive correlation (r = 0.63) with the height of the sheeting.

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