Species abundance and habitat differences in biomass of subterranean termites (Isoptera) in the wheatbelt of Western Australia

Abstract

Abstract The distribution and abundance, and habitat differences in biomass of subterranean termites, were assessed through soil trenching for woodland, mallee and heath habitats in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia. Over an 11 month sampling period, there were no significant habitat differences in biomass. Mean dry biomass in the surficial layer of soil (per 5000 cm 3 ) averaged 46 mg in woodland, 28 mg in mallee, and 23 mg in heath. Termite biomass peaked in September, with 141 mg for woodland, 83 mg for mallee and 47 mg for heath (per 5000 cm 3 ). Soil moisture and termite activity near the surface were positively correlated. A total of 36 species of termites, comprising 11 genera, were identified, and species abundance within and across habitats differed significantly.