Formosan subterranean termite use of clay: Attraction, pesticide detoxification, and general health effects

Although utilization of clay has been well studied in mound building higher termites, little attention has been paid to subterranean termites. The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, can modify its habitat by using clay to fill tree cavities. Here, we investigated the biological significance of clay on C. formosanus. Choice tests show that significantly more termites aggregated in chambers containing clay under both fed and starved conditions. Interesting, active modification of clay by termites was observed. Termites made clay into small pellets and spread them on substrate or attached them to the smooth surface of the chamber wall. Studies to determine the effect of clay on general health and pesticide detoxification is presently underway. Use of clay to develop a novel attractive termite bait is being developed.