The spatial distribution of foragers and tunnels of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, in relation to borate treated wood was studied using experimental foraging arenas in the laboratory. Large groups of termites were added to six arenas and allowed to forage for a period of three weeks. One side of three arenas contained wood wafers treated to commercial retentions of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (ca. 1.7 % Boric Acid Equivalents). The distribution of tunnels, foragers, and dead termites were compared between treated and non-treated arenas and between treated and non-treated sides within arenas. The behavior of termites in response to food items treated with a non-repellent, toxic compound is discussed.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite)
Keywords: foraging behavior, borate
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