Three chitin synthesis inhibitors (diflubenzuron, hexaflumoron, and lufenuron) were separately incorporated into a nutritionally based matrix at 10 ppm each. Alate stages of Formosan subterranean termites were collected using light traps during May 2000. A total of 224 termite pairs (56 per treatment and contol) were placed inside of sterile 50 X 9 mm petri dishes containing 3 g of matrix. Survival of the pairs was monitored monthly for 12 months. Progeny was counted at 3, 6, and 12 months. There was not significant difference in oviposition rate among the treatments, but eggs failed to hatch. Number of immature, workers, and soldiers were significanlty higher in control pairs. Survival was significantly higher in control pairs. Diflubenzuron and lufenuron treatments reached 100% mortality by the 8th month. Hexaflumuron treatment showed only one surviving pair at the end of the 12 months.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite)
Keywords: benzoylureas
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA