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Implications for comparability of laboratory experiments revealed in studies on the effects of population density on vigour in Coptotermes lacteus (Froggatt) and Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae & Termitidae)*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

M. Lenz ,
R. A. Barrett  and
E. R. Williams
M. Lenz
Affiliation:
CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Canberra, A. C. T. 2601, Australia
R. A. Barrett
Affiliation:
CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Canberra, A. C. T. 2601, Australia
E. R. Williams
Affiliation:
CSIRO, Division of Mathematics and Statistics, Canberra, A. C. T. 2601, Australia
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Abstract

The vigour, i.e. survival and wood consumption, of groups of Coptotermes lacteus (Frogg.) and Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill) was measured when termites were kept at different population densities by changing group size and/or volume of the holding container. A characteristic pattern emerged for subterranean termite species. At low population densities (<0·01 g termites/ml), performance improved with an increase in group size; at higher densities, it tended to decline. The impact of altering group size and container volume on termite vigour was most pronounced at low population densities; at higher population densities, performance tended to be more stable but declined markedly when termites became overcrowded. In most jar-type experiments on termites, especially those conducted in Europe and the USA, small groups of termites are housed in disproportionately large jars, resulting in very low, sub-optimal population densities. Suggestions are made for improvement in experimental design that would lead to an enhancement of the comparability of results from different laboratories.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 74 , Issue 3 , September 1984 , pp. 477 - 485
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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