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Title: Foraging Behavior of Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Author
item Cornelius, Mary

Submitted to: Sociobiology
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/27/2009
Publication Date: 6/2/2003
Citation: Cornelius, M.L. 2003. Foraging Behavior of Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Sociobiology.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The foraging behavior of two serious structural pests, the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) was examined. Comparative laboratory studies of the trail following, feeding, tunneling behavior, and interactions with wood decay fungi of Formosan and eastern subterranean termites, and of the interspecific interactions between these two termite species were conducted. By increasing our understanding of the foraging behavior and interactions of Formosan and eastern subterranean termites, this research will have an impact on the development of novel control methods to eliminate termite populations that are threatening structures.