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Estimating population density of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus(Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) using the effective sampling area of in-ground monitoring stations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

H. Puche  and
N.-Y. Su
H. Puche*
Affiliation:
US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158, USA
N.-Y. Su
Affiliation:
Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3205 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
*
*Fax: 305 238 9330 E-mail: hpuche@saa.ars.usda.gov
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Abstract

The effective sampling area of a monitoring station, α, was calculated for several Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki colonies in Broward County, Florida, USA. A simple mark–recapture protocol provided data on termite station catch within a foraging range of a colony. Average recapture probability was 0.005 close to the releae point (< 5 m) and declined to 0.0008 at a distance of 51 to 60 m. The relation between the log % termites recaptured was fitted with log distance, to determine P(x), the average proportion of captured termites that started at distance x from the release point. The effective sampling area was estimated by using P(x) and the equation, α 2 π∫{ x P(x)} dx. Integrating this equation, an average estimate α that ranged from 0.607 to 14.5 m2 was obtained. Factors influencing the variation of α among the colonies are discussed. The effective sampling area estimated should be taken as a reliable estimator that translates subterranean termite catches into termite population density.

Type
Research Article
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 94 , Issue 1 , February 2004 , pp. 47 - 53
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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