ISSN:
1572-8889
Keywords:
Coptotermes formosanus
;
Reticulitermes flavipes
;
Isoptera
;
competition
;
species interaction
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Experiments were conducted to examine competitive interactions between the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (FST), and the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (EST), using groups of termites with different worker:soldier proportions. Experiments were conducted using three connected test chambers: an FST chamber, an unoccupied center chamber, and an EST chamber. When groups of FST were comprised of 20% soldiers versus 2% EST soldiers, only 8% of center chambers were occupied exclusively by EST. When groups of FST were comprised of 10% soldiers versus 1% EST soldiers, 44% of center chambers were occupied exclusively by EST. When the only food source was located in the center chamber, 60% of center chambers were occupied by both species. FST did not completely displace EST in any of these experiments.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1007804313256
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