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The Termites of north-eastern Tanganyika; their Distribution and Biology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

P. Belinda Kemp
Affiliation:
(formerly of the Colonial Termite Research Unit).

Extract

The distribution of termites in north-eastern Tanganyika is discussed in relation to eight zones delimited by contours and vegetation types. Some termites show very definite limits to their distribution; Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) and Amitermes lonnbergianus (Sjöstedt) are examples. The significance of this is discussed.

There is a greater variety of Termitinae near the coast, while the subterranean termites are the more abundant in dry bushland. Some species are able to extend their distribution where gallery forest is found along the larger rivers. Two types of mountain forest are included in the region and extremely few termites are to be found within these.

The distribution of termites observed on descending from the mountains to the plains is discussed and illustrated by a diagram. In addition, two methods of indicating the relative abundance of termites in the soil is described.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1955

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