Diversified Feeding in Termites (Isoptera: Insecta) in Southern Haryana

Abstract

Termites are the significant decomposers in an ecosystem that helps to recycle nutrients and other raw materials. Termites are also known as pests of crops and timber plants. Hence, this study is carried out to document different feeding types of termites concerning various feeding diets. A total of 233 colonies were collected from the different localities of Southern Haryana by conducting a random sampling process in two years of study from 2020-2021. Samples were identified into 26 termite species under 3 families, 4 subfamilies and 8 genera by utilizing phenotypic features of the soldier and worker castes. These species were further characterized according to feeding groups. In the present study, 5 feeding groups were reported. Out of 26 species, 11 species were recorded as wood feeders whereas, in soil feeder, soil-wood intermediate feeder, litter feeder and grass feeder 6, 9, 5 and 4 species were noted. The most dominant was the wood feeder, followed by the soil-wood intermediate feeder, soil feeder, litter feeder, and finally grass feeder. Among wood feedersMicrotermes mycophagusand soil-wood intermediate feederAmitermes belliwere dominant. The feeding groups diverged significantly among the surroundings, based on habitat disturbances.

Keywords: Feeding group; Termites; Termitidae; Wood feeder