Journal article
The "wire-loop slicing technique" for the rapid field collection of large numbers of Coptotermes acinaciformis termites from above-ground mound colonies
Sociobiology, Vol.48(3), pp.793-798
2006
Abstract
This technique of rapidly slicing through an above-ground Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt) mound colony with a steel wire-loop attached to a vehicle allows the collection of large numbers of termites. The sliced mound topples onto a tarpaulin arranged on the ground, the outer wall layers break away in large segments, and the carton materials incorporating the termites are readily collected and transferred to large plastic containers. Termites are then separated via sieves from the carton into the collection jars and transported to a laboratory insectary for use in laboratory bioassays. This procedure requires only two people, and it is feasible to collect large numbers of termites from four mound colonies of C. acinaciformis within a matter of two days. Termites are transferred into containers and transported by air to the insectary in Melbourne for use in laboratory bioassays. This slicing technique does not cause the death of mound colonies, which recovers within 3 - 6 months.
Details
- Title
- The "wire-loop slicing technique" for the rapid field collection of large numbers of Coptotermes acinaciformis termites from above-ground mound colonies
- Authors
- B M Ahmed (Shiday) (Author) - University of MelbourneJohn R J French (Author) - Ecospan Consulting Services
- Publication details
- Sociobiology, Vol.48(3), pp.793-798
- Publisher
- California State University, Chico, Department of Biological Sciences
- Date published
- 2006
- ISSN
- 0361-6525
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2006 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449995502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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