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The use of 131I, 125I and aggressive behaviour to determine the foraging area of Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) (Isoptera: Hodotermitidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

T. C. De K. Van der Linde ,
P. H. Hewitt ,
M. C. Van Der Westhuizen  and
Jannette Mitchell
T. C. De K. Van der Linde
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
P. H. Hewitt
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
M. C. Van Der Westhuizen
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
Jannette Mitchell
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
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Abstract

Lucerne labelled with 131I or 125I was used to mark field colonies of the harvester termite Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) in South Africa. The foraging area was delineated by plotting the distribution range of radioactive workers collected on the soil surface over a period of up to 57 days. Foraging areas of single colonies varied between 0.5 and 3.1 ha. These areas were not necessarily the exclusive territory of a single colony. Inter-worker aggression assays confirmed these conclusions.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 79 , Issue 4 , November 1989 , pp. 537 - 544
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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References

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