Light attraction behavior of alates and dealates of the West Indian drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

The West Indian drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) is a serious urban pest. Studies were conducted between 2007 and 2008 during this species dispersal flight. The attraction to light and consequent colonization was studied exposing the alates to a choice between lighted and dark wood pieces to colonize. Also several intensities of light were provided in order to determine if light intensity had a role in the choice of a colonizing spot. After dealation a bioassay to determine negative phototaxis for the dealates was conducted. It was found that alates of the species colonize a higher number of sites in lighted areas than in dark areas, and this number increases with the increase of light intensity. Negative phototaxis of the dealates was observed with colonizations occurring in greater number in darker areas than in lighter areas.