Termites prefer to feed on wood from some tree species more than others. Feeding stimulants in the wood that might account for this preference have not previously been characterized, however. Extracts of termite-preferred wood were shown to stimulate feeding both on cellulose thin-layer chromatographic plates and on a commercial cellulose bait containing an insect growth regulator. Trimethylsilyl derivatives were prepared from the extract and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The use of baits for termite control has grown in popularity due to increased environmental awareness and the banning of available termiticides, but bait acceptance by termites has been reported as a limiting factor. Feeding stimulants from preferred woods could be used to enhance current baiting technology.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes tibialis (termite)
Keywords: feeding, stimulant
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