Abstract:
Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes grassei) were surveyed over successive
seasons in a managed eucalyptus plantation in southeastern Portugal for 26
months. Termite activity in seven diameter categories of lying dead wood was
investigated by a modified line intersection method (LIS). Each item sampled was
inspected and assessed for termite attack and for general (i.e. fungal) decay status
using standard protocols. Line intersection is quantitative to the extent that it can
link foraging and decay parameters to woody biovolume. It was found that
termites selected items with larger diameter, the observed trend showing an
exponential character with greater termite attack as diameter increased. Attack by
termites was positively associated with prior decay by fungi. A clear positive
relationship was shown between rainfall and total woody biovolume containing
live termites, underlining the importance of moisture for termite activity. Subterranean
termites appeared to be important wood decomposers in the woodland
studied, with an average of 30% of lying dead wood branches showing signs of
termite attack.
