Characterization of tunneling geometry of subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) by computer simulation

Abstract

Tunnel structure of two subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was reduced into basic components by a protocol for quantifying movement pathways. Component-wise comparisons showed that R. flavipes generated more primary tunnels that were closer together, less linear (i.e. shorter linear segment) with more branching, and turned at sharper turn angles than C. formosanus. A computer simulation program incorporating the measured components was used to reconstruct termite tunnels and to identify other critical components for further incorporation into the simulation program. Ten components were identified as the minimum elements needed to reconstruct plausible termite tunnel structure. A fractal analysis indicated that the simulation program produced tunnels with a statistically similar complexity to those produced by termites. The simulation program also provided insights into termite tunnel structure, namely the truncation of tunnels intersecting other tunnels, and the tendency for tunnels to radiate away from the origin without looping back towards the origin.