Species of the termite family, Rhinotermitidae (Reticulitermes), were studied to determine possible factors affecting the rate, direction, and length of time of avoidance associated with nest evacuation after disturbance. After conducting trials using laboratory-simulated nests, food sources, and tunnels, initial results suggest factors including moisture, aggregation behavior, alternate food sources, as well as the distance to areas of refuge and severity of the disturbance may play key roles in the evacuation of a site.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes virginicus
Species 2: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes hageni
Keywords: disturbance, evacuation behavior
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