Feeding activities of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) as affected by moisture content of wood

Abstract

The relationship between the moisture content (MC) of wood blocks and the feeding activities of two Japanese subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe), was investigated with two choice tests. When three wood blocks with low MC (6%–12%), middle MC (79%–103%), and high MC (140%–182%) were exposed to workers of C. formosanus and R. speratus in a choice test, the feeding preferences were found in the middle MC blocks for C. formosanus, and the middle and high MC blocks for R. speratus, although wood blocks of low MC were also attacked. In a second choice test, wood blocks consisting of five pieces with water-impregnated (MC: 133%–191%) top, middle, or bottom piece were exposed to workers of both species. Higher consumptions were generally obtained in water-impregnated wood pieces and bottom pieces.