Rich microbial community associated with the nest material of Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

Field-collected subterranean termites were held in groups of 960 individuals for 90 d in twodimensional arenas filled with sterile sand. After 90 d, the tunnel walls made of sand mixed with fecal material, and sand from areas not disturbed by termites were compared for the presence of microbes. We show that a rich microbial community associated with the termites can colonize the termite nest environment and is primarily associated with the tunnels.