ABSTRACT
Mark-recapture techniques were used to characterize populations of Heterotermes aureus in an urban environment. Special collecting collars containing cardboard rolls were placed in 1m intervals around three structures in the Tucson area. Termites collected in the collars were fed on filter paper dyed with Nile Blue A and subsequently released back into the collars from which they were collected. After the initial mark and release of the first set of termites, the collars at each house were checked on a weekly basis for a total of 3 weeks. During each cycle, termites from the collars were brought back to the lab and the number of dyed and non-dyed termites were counted. One colony was found to inhabit each structure. Population estimates using the Lincoln Index and Weighted Means Model ranged between 100,000 and 300,000. Distances foraged around each structure by colonies ranged from 21-67m. Characterization of these termite colonies in this manner could allow pest control operators in the future a more efficient means for treating urban structures.
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA