title: Clay preference and particle transport behavior of Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): a laboratory study.
abstract: Although preference and utilization of clay have been studied in many higher termites, little attention has been paid to lower termites, especially subterranean termites. The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, can modify its habitat by using clay to fill tree cavities. Here, the biological significance of clay on C. formosanus was investigated. Choice tests showed that significantly more termites aggregated in chambers where clay blocks were provided, regardless of colony group, observation period, or nutritional condition (fed or starved). No-choice tests showed that clay had no observable effect on survivorship, live or dry biomass, water content, and tunneling activity after 33-35 d. However, clay appeared to significantly decrease filter paper consumption (dry weight loss). Active particle (sand, paper, and clay) transport behavior was observed in both choice and no-choice tests. When present, clay was preferentially spread on the substrate, attached to the smooth surfaces of the containers, and used to line sand tunnels. Mechanisms and potential application of clay attraction are discussed.
authors: Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
authors: Cai
authors: C
authors: Wang
authors: Gregg
authors: G
authors: Henderson
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002755:Choice Behavior; D000077215:Clay; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D020049:Isoptera / Q000502:physiology*; D013217:Starvation; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D014867:Water; D000077215:Clay
keywords: Coptotermes formosanus; aggregation; clay; filter paper consumption; particle transport behavior