A Method for Measuring Rate of Grass-Harvesting by Trinervitermes Geminatus (Wasmann) (Isoptera, Nasutitermitinae) and Observation on its Foraging Behaviour in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
T. geminatus is one of the most abundant grass-eating termites in Nigeria. It harvests standing grass which is cut into pieces and carried back, via foraging holes at the soil surface and subterranean galleries, to its nest which is constructed in the form of a low, domed mound. Observations during Feb. and March indicated daily variation in the number of foraging holes open (155-1332/ha) and the mean activity curve expressed as number of pieces of grass harvested per unit time. Harvesting rates, expressed as a mean for the entire foraging period varied from 10.6-46.3 pieces/hole per 5 min. Harvesting started slowly, gradually building up to peak rates (maximum recorded was 170 pieces/5 min) before declining rapidly. The shape of the mean activity curve was constant for different holes on the same day (although the amplitude differed due to variation in harvesting rate at different holes) but differed from day to day largely due to the time at which foraging ceased. The onset of foraging was relatively constant, all holes being opened between 06.00-06.30 h but the length of the foraging period varied from 90-210 min. Daily harvesting rates were estimated at 11.4 pieces (0.011 g)m2-89.3 pieces (0.083 g)m2.