[Association of Constrictotermes cyphergaster Silvestri (Isoptera: Termitidae) with trees in the Brazilian Cerrado].
Termites usually build nests differently shaped and characterized according to each species, to protect and keep society cohesion. Some species build nests in the ground, some prefer tree thunks or branches as support, whereas other dig galleries in the wood. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of arboreal termites Constrictotermes cyphergaster Silvestri and tree species that support the nest of this species, in a Cerrado sensu strictu of the Serra de Caldas Novas, GO. Data suggest a association relationship between C. Cyphergaster and the tree species Qualea grandiflora Mart., Annona crassiflora Mart., Caryocar brasiliense Camb. and Plathymenia reticulata Benth., shown by high Qui-squared values (chi2 = 214.986, gl. = 20, P < 0.001). This relationship may be found among other termites and tree species, including Cerrado biome, and may be due to several factors, such as natural competitors and predators, toxin production by other tree species or benefits between associated species (facultative mutualism or facilitation).
Lima-Ribeiro
Matheus de S
Mde S
Depto. Biologia Geral, ICB, Univ. Federal de Goiás, C. postal 131, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO. limaribeiro@pop.com.br
Pinto
Míriam P
MP
Costa
Shirley S
SS
Nabout
João C
JC
Rangel
Thiago F L V B
TF
de Melo
Tatiana L
TL
de Moura
Iona'i O
IO
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D020049:Isoptera / Q000145:classification; D014197:Trees / Q000469:parasitology*