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Survival rates of humus-feeding Cubitermes testaceus (Williams) (Isoptera: Termitidae) in relation to organic matter content

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Mary J.N. Okwakol
Mary J.N. Okwakol
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Abstract

The survival rates of humus-feeding Cubitermes testaceus (Williams) workers were determined in relation to soil organic matter content. Field collected termites survived for 15.5 days when fed on soil with the highest content of organic matter (5.1%) and for 8.1 days when fed on soil with the lowest content of organic matter (3.2%). Possible reasons for termite workers' survival are discussed.

Résumé

Les degrées de survie des ouvriers de l'espèce Cubitermes testaceus (Williams) furent determinés en relation avec les matières organiques du sol. Les termites collectées du terrain, nourries avec du sol contenant un pourcentage (5.1%) élève de matières organiques ont vecu 15.5 jours mais seulement 8.1 jours si elles sont nourries avec du sol contenant 3.2% de matieres organiques. Les raisons possibles de la survie des ouvriers de l'espèce Cubitermes testaceus furent discutées.

Keywords

Cubitermes testaceustermitesorganic matter
Type
Research Articles
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 10 , Issue 4 , August 1989 , pp. 497 - 501
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1989

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References

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