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Variability of vigour between colonies of Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and its implications for laboratory experimentation*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

M. Lenz
M. Lenz
Affiliation:
CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia
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Abstract

Groups of Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt) originating from six colonies, three taken from each of two widely separated localities in northern Australia (Townsville and Darwin), were kept at population densities of 0·005, 0·001 or 0·020 g termites/ml. Survival and wood consumption of the groups after eight weeks followed a similar pattern in the colonies from both collection areas. Groups exhibited least vigour at the lowest population density, most vigour at the middle density and slightly less than maximum vigour at the highest density. However, the actual values for survival and wood consumption varied widely between colonies, irrespective of their origin. The implications of these and related results for laboratory experiments which rely on survival and wood consumption as indicators of termite vigour are discussed.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 75 , Issue 1 , March 1985 , pp. 13 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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