Foraging activity and population density for different castes individuals of subterranean termite, Amitermes desertorum (Desenux) (Isoptera: Termitidae) at Aswan governorate, Egypt

Abstract

The desert subterranean termite, Amitermes desertorum, infested several species of wood and fruit trees widely planted in different region of the Egyptian environment. The different caste of the termite, Amitermes desertorum individuals were fluctuated according to foraging activity and many factors of environmental conditions. Monthly population of caste individuals demonstrated that the worker castes recorded the highest number (5632workers) during August, while the minimum number (487 workers) was observed during January. Moreover, the highest number of nymph stages, soldiers and winged adults were recorded during August (1276 nymphs), May (386 soldiers) and August (1160 winged adults), while the minimum number of nymphs and winged adults were recorded during January recording 153 and 75 individuals respectively, whereas soldier castes were recorded 116 individuals during October. Total numbers and percentages of collecting caste individuals from traps during months detected that the highest percentage reached 20.01% during August, while the minimum percentage was 2.1%during January, as well as , the ranges of monthly percentages varied for different castes through tested months, recording 1.77% (January), -20.44% (August) for workers, 2.51% (January), -20.89% (August) for nymphs, 3.9% (October), -12.99% (May) for soldiers and 1.34% (January), -20.73% (August) for winged adults. The relation between worker and soldier castes showed that the ratio of soldiers / 1000workers represented 97.34%. Positive significant correlation was recorded between each of air & soil temperature and termite stage populations. The correlation was positive and insignificant with wind speed while the correlation was negative and insignificant with RH%, whereas mostly no correlation was recorded with rainfall.