Desert Subterranean Termites: A Method for Studying Foraging Behavior1,2

Abstract

Subterranean termites are among the most abundant but cryptic of animals, a factor making behavioral studies very difficult. Consequently little is known of their foraging behavior or general activity patterns. Previous studies have been restricted mainly to mound builders (Bouillon and Lekie 1964) or harvesters which forageopenly on the soil surface (Bouillon 1970, Nel 1968). A few estimates of subterranean termite populations have been based on baiting with attractive materials or soilcore sampling (Sands 1972).