Effect of temperature and substrate moisture on group survival of Constrictotermes sp. (Isoptera: Termitidae) under laboratory conditions

ABSTRACT

Laboratory bioassays should be performed under appropriate conditions that minimize stress and promote greater longevity to tested animals. For social insects, for instance, the stress triggered by removal individuals from nests may result in changes in their survival and behavior. Here we analyzed the effects of variations of different combinations of temperature and substrate moisture (mL of water/g of nest substrate) on group survival of Constrictotermes sp. (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). In general, lower substrate moisture resulted in faster mortality. On the other hand, groups survival longer at a temperature of 26 ºC and under higher substrate moisture (2–3 mL/7 g of nest substrate). The result of this study may contribute to the establishment of bioassay protocols performed with Constrictotermes sp. in the laboratory.

Keywords:
Bioassays; Mortality; Termite