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Indian Journal of Pure & Applied Biosciences (IJPAB)
Year : 2020, Volume : 8, Issue : 5
First page : (141) Last page : (149)
Article doi: : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8193

Diversity and abundance of Subterranean Termites in South India

K. Srinivasa Murthy*
National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, P B No. 2491, H A Farm Post, Bellary Road
Bangalore - 560 024, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author E-mail: ksm239@rediffmail.com
Received: 7.07.2020 | Revised: 12.08.2020 | Accepted: 20.08.2020 

 ABSTRACT

The abundance and diversity of subterranean termites was studied in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Keralae, Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Fifteen species of termites belonging to subfamilies Apicotermitinae, Kalotermitidae, Macrotermitinae and Nasutitermitinae, were recorded.  The fungus growing termites (Macrotermitinae) accounted for 66.66% abundance, across the states. The Apicotermitinae (soil feeders) and Kalotermitidae (dry wood termites) registered 6.62% each and the dry wood termites (Nasutitermitinae) recorded 20.1% abundance. Among the different species of termites, Odontermes obesus, was more predominant (15.62%) than others. The cropping pattern, soil type and topography predisposed the abundance and diversity of termites.

Keywords: Abundance, Cropping pattern, Diversity, Macrotermitinae.

Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782

Cite this article: Srinivasa Murthy, K. (2020). Diversity and abundance of Subterranean Termites in South India, Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. 8(5), 141-149. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8193