A STUDY ON THE ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

Abstract

Study of sand termite, Psammotermes hypostoma (Desnuax), throughout two successive years of 1995 and 1996, clarified that, the termite individuals were abundant during winter and autumn seasons. The workers, first and second nymphs and soldiers were abundant in the winter and reduced during summer season. On the other hand, swarming of winged casts (alates) were occurred. during autumn and summer months. The population of workers represented the highest percentages from the total numbers of gallery, followed by soldiers, nymphs and alates.

In summer 1995 and 1996, the attraction rate of traps in the tested area (surface acyivity) was higher during autumn and winter and lower in summer, while the surface activity (food consumption and soil translocated without insects) were higher during summer and autumn, while were lower during winter season throughout 1995 and 1996. Also the highest number of caughted traps was recorded during winter and the lowest one occurred during summer. Food consumption by termites was higher during spring and summer, while it was lower during winter. Soil translocation (constmction) showed also the same trend.