Journal
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST
Volume 94, Issue 2, Pages 131-136Publisher
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOC
DOI: 10.1653/024.094.0202
Keywords
Cryptotermes brevis; phototaxis; colonization; alates; dealates
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Funding
- University of Florida
- Portugal Foundation for Science and Technology [FCT-SFRH/BD/29840/2006]
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Laboratory studies were conducted during the 2007 and 2008 dispersal seasons of the West Indian drywood termite Cryptotermes breuis (Walker), a serious urban pest of wooden structures. Attraction to light and subsequent colonization of this species were studied by observing the response of alates to lit and dark chambers. Several intensities of light were tested to determine if light intensity had a role in the alates' attraction to light and subsequent colonization. A bioassay was conducted with semi-shaded wood blocks to quantify negative phototaxis for the dealates. We found that the alates of C breuis preferred flying into lit areas for colonization, and that the number of colonizations was highest in the high light intensity treatments. Negative phototaxis of the dealates was observed because these preferred to colonize in the dark habitat treatments. This information is important when deciding what control methods may be used to prevent C. breuis from colonizing wood structures. Traps with a high intensity light to attract C. breuis alates and to prevent infestation may be a way to monitor and control this urban pest.
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