Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil
The intensity of construction of foraging access holes by two leaf-litter feeding, soil- inhabiting termite species, Syntermes molestus and Syntermes spinosus, in a Central Amazonian rain forest, was observed on consecutive nights for two weeks. Between 11 and 48 nest entrances per m2 were counted....
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia
1998-09-01
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Series: | Acta Amazonica |
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Online Access: | http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0044-59671998000300325&tlng=en |
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author | Christopher MARTIUS Matthias WELLER |
author_facet | Christopher MARTIUS Matthias WELLER |
author_sort | Christopher MARTIUS |
collection | DOAJ |
description | The intensity of construction of foraging access holes by two leaf-litter feeding, soil- inhabiting termite species, Syntermes molestus and Syntermes spinosus, in a Central Amazonian rain forest, was observed on consecutive nights for two weeks. Between 11 and 48 nest entrances per m2 were counted. Interaction between the two species was intense; some entrance holes were overtaken by the larger species during the observations; however, both species coexist in the area. A calculated minimum of 35 entrances/m2 is built every year by both species, emphasizing the importance of soil-burrowing termites for soil structure, aeration and water regime. |
first_indexed | 2024-12-24T01:49:48Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-3a984f15178c455c90f77363e07abe6a |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 0044-5967 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-12-24T01:49:48Z |
publishDate | 1998-09-01 |
publisher | Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia |
record_format | Article |
series | Acta Amazonica |
spelling | doaj.art-3a984f15178c455c90f77363e07abe6a2022-12-21T17:21:45ZengInstituto Nacional de Pesquisas da AmazôniaActa Amazonica0044-59671998-09-0128332532510.1590/1809-43921998283330Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, BrazilChristopher MARTIUSMatthias WELLERThe intensity of construction of foraging access holes by two leaf-litter feeding, soil- inhabiting termite species, Syntermes molestus and Syntermes spinosus, in a Central Amazonian rain forest, was observed on consecutive nights for two weeks. Between 11 and 48 nest entrances per m2 were counted. Interaction between the two species was intense; some entrance holes were overtaken by the larger species during the observations; however, both species coexist in the area. A calculated minimum of 35 entrances/m2 is built every year by both species, emphasizing the importance of soil-burrowing termites for soil structure, aeration and water regime.http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0044-59671998000300325&tlng=enLeaf-litter feeding termitessoil-inhabiting termitesburrowing activitysoil density |
spellingShingle | Christopher MARTIUS Matthias WELLER Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil Acta Amazonica Leaf-litter feeding termites soil-inhabiting termites burrowing activity soil density |
title | Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil |
title_full | Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil |
title_fullStr | Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil |
title_full_unstemmed | Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil |
title_short | Observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf-feeding, soil-inhabiting Syntermes species (insecta: Isoptera) in an Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil |
title_sort | observations on dynamics of foraging hole construction of two leaf feeding soil inhabiting syntermes species insecta isoptera in an amazonian rainforest brazil |
topic | Leaf-litter feeding termites soil-inhabiting termites burrowing activity soil density |
url | http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0044-59671998000300325&tlng=en |
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