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Rhinotermitidae
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: H Ralf Lundgren (bucanas)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 139 W: 1 N: 45]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-s.gif) (1013) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Black & White |
| Date Taken: 2008-02-21 |
| Categories: Insects |
| Exposure: f/14.1, 1/200 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop |
| Date Submitted: 2008-02-21 13:33 |
| Viewed: 525 |
| Points: 8 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Review of the Behavioral Ecology of Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae:
Coptotermes sp. And Reticulitermes sp.) With Discussion on Applications to Alternative Control Methods
Ryan Carr
Pinonranch@aol.com
Abstract
Subterranean termites are a major pest of human structures throughout tropic and sub-tropic climate zones, causing billions of dollars in damage worldwide. Most control systems, in the past, have employed extensively applied chemical agents. Because of severe unintended effects of these chemicals, many will no longer be available in the near future. The focus of research on subterranean termites must now turn to finding more "environmentally friendly" termite control methods. In order to develop new possibilities for more acceptable termite controls, it will be necessary to have a clear understanding of their life history, including reproduction, division of labor, foraging, intra-specific and inter-specific interaction, and environmental influences. Once this understanding is better achieved more efficient and more effective alternative control strategies can be developed. The purpose of this article is to assemble the current research on the behavior of subterranean termites in order highlight ongoing research related to development of alternative biological control methods and to begin to identify areas in need of further study.
Introduction
It has been estimated that termites cause over 3 billion dollars in damage to wooden structures annually throughout the United States with at least 80% of that attributable to subterranean termites (Lewis, 1997 and references therein). Costs attributable to Coptotermes formosanus, in the Hawaiian Islands alone, are greater than 60 million Dollars (Delate, 1995 and references therein). These estimates show that subterranean termites are some of the most economically important insects to humans. The main focus of past research was on chemical methods for control with an obvious lack of attention placed on understanding behavior and natural history. This trend has changed over recent years because of concerns over side effects caused by the use of these chemicals. The direction being taken by many researchers is towards alternative non-toxic and biological methods of control. These newer methods that are being investigated include baiting, asphyxiant gases, extreme temperatures, barriers of various types, and biological control organisms (Lewis, 1997 and references therein). There is a need for more research in all of these areas. Research is also needed to analyze the feasibility of eradication as opposed to control of a population size and its affect on human structures. The use of multiple combined strategies to prevent termite damage to wooden structures or living plants seems to be indicated. While, the total eradication of a population of termites seems to be unfeasible at the current time using alternative non-chemical methods.
Some of the most economically important species of subterranean termites are in the genera Coptotermes and Reticulitermes (Lewis, 1997 and references therein). These species can be viewed as "ecological equivalents" (Chen & Henderson, 1997). Coptotermes sp. originated in the Orient and were transported around the world, probably as infestations in the hulls of wooden boats and in lumber. Coptotermes species have now invaded many sites in the southern United States where they occur sympatrically with many Reticulitermes species. Because of similarities in Phenotypic ratio, reproduction, and environmental requirements it would seem relevant to discuss them together when considering alternative strategies of control. Each aspect of subterranean termite behavior discussed here will be considered in the light of current research on both Coptotermes and Reticulitermes species. Discussion involving alternative control methods will address both similarities and differences in these taxa and possible ways to exploit this knowledge. |
Bass, gerbilratz, cicindela has marked this note useful
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- Bass
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 101 W: 0 N: 115]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(467) - [2008-02-21 15:41]
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Hi Ralf!
uou!!!!! thatīs a great macro!!! my compliments!! Light and POV are great, I just see that the back of the bug is a bit out of focus, but it is just a detail. I would like to see the real colours of this guy, but the B&W is amazing, I also like the details over the ground...
Nice to see pics like this!
TFS
Brenda
Hello Ralf,
Very impressive to see a macro of Termite in B/W version!
very good clarity with all the details in it!
also thanks for the informative and useful notes
well done
greeting
Tony
very impressive macro of this tiny termite...huge jaws on such a tiny creature, the B/W works very well, and such clarity is unusual when we are so used to see-ing in colour, great effort, regards h
Hello Ralf!
Very unusual and amazing macro! Termites are so rarely presented on TN that this photo is a great contribution to biodiversity on this web page. Bravo for details, sharpness and depth of field. I like also very good light control.
It is a pleasure to watch this photo.
All the best!
Radomir
![Gold Star Critiquer [C: 368 W: 0 N: 1002]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-n.gif)
(3176)