The Species and Abundance of Subterranean Termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in the Area of University of Bengkulu

Abstract

A study on the species and abundance of subterranean termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in the area of the University of Bengkulu has been carried out from December 2018 to February 2019. This study aimed to find out the types and abundance of subterranean termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in the area of the University of Bengkulu. The points for research locations were determined using a purposive sampling technique. Termites were collected using the wood bait method in all research locations. The collected termites were then sprayed with 4% formalin and put into vials containing 70% alcohol, after that stored in a collection box. Furthermore, they were identified in the Laboratory of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Science Building, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bengkulu. They were classified based on their families, subfamilies, and species. The obtained data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that from 770 individuals collected, it consisted of 3 species, 2 families, and 2 subfamilies, namely Microtermes inspiratus (family Termitidae, subfamily Macrotermitinae), Macrotermes gilvus (family Termitidae, subfamily Macrotermitinae), and Coptotermes curvignatus (family Rhinotermitidae, subfamily Coptotermitinae). The highest abundance was found in Macrotermes gilvus species with an abundance value of 150.000 individuals/m 3 .