NEST-BUILDING TERMITE ASSEMBLAGES IN A WHITE-SAND AMAZONIAN FOREST FRAGMENT, LORETO- PERU
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24841/fa.v34i1.808Keywords:
Amazonia, ecological characteristics, interactions, social insectsAbstract
Termites are ecosystem engineers whose nest-building activities alter soil structure and nutrient cycling. In this study, we assessed the characteristics and diversity of nest-building termite assemblages in a white-sand forest fragment near Iquitos, Loreto, Peru. We surveyed ten 30 × 30 m plots in the forest to quantify nest density, taxonomic composition, nest-type, botanical substrates, nest coloration, and spatial variation in nest abundance. A total of 156 nests were recorded, representing five genera: Nasutitermes, Embiratermes, Coptotermes, Constrictotermes, and Termes. The most common botanical substrates associated with nest building belonged to the families Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, and Fabaceae, particularly Alchornea triplinervia. Most nests were arboreal (58,0%) and dark brown in color (57,05%). Nest abundance increased significantly with greater distance from the road. In conclusion, despite the low nutrient availability, the white-sand forest fragment supports a dense and diverse assemblage of nest-building termites.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Rommel R. ROJAS, Carlos ARANGO MORA, Carol SÁNCHEZ VELA, Roberto PEZO DIAZ, Giria E. MUÑOZ, Javier DEL ÁGUILA CHÁVEZ, Yesica SÁNCHEZ, Cristina RÍOS TUISIMA, Christian ÁNGULO, Marlon AÑAPE, Raul Bismarck PINEDO-GARCIA, Rayssa ALMEIDA DE AZEVEDO, Renato ALMEIDA DE AZEVEDO
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