Foraging Behavior of Subterranean Termites

Termites live in large long-lived colonies, fully comparable to ant societies in their organization and complexity. Most of the common and destructive species are subterranean - soft, delicate, unpigmented insects, generally blind, and easily desiccated. Termites are detritivores and herbivores whose ability to utilize cellulosic materials efficiently has almost certianly contributed to their widespread success. The few existing studies on subterranean termites have been based on baiting with attractive materials, or on soil-core sampling. The chapter utilizes a modification of the bait-sampling method which provides a picture of the size and spatial distribution of their surface foraging populations. It provides with some clues to the factors regulating foraging activity and insight into their food-finding strategies.