Feeding preferences of Microcerotermes championi (snyder) on different timbers dried at different temperatures under choice and no choice trials

Abstract

Ten species of wood were tested for their natural resistance and to reveal feeding preferences of M. championi . In "no choice" laboratory experiments, Abies pindrow was found highly resistant and Populus euramericana highly palatable. The impact of drying temperature (60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C and 100°C) was studied. The amount of wood consumed in general, increased with increase in drying temperature indicating that heat contributed to the loss of natural resistance components of the woods. When M. championi was given a choice and the woods were offered in combination of two, this termite species repeated its instinct, easily identified the more preferred wood and consumed more of it. Consequently, M. championi showed maximum feeding on P. euramericana and the minimum on A. pindrow and the mean feeding propensity was significantly different (P < 0.0028). Based on the feeding propensity, the woods are arranged in descending order of preference: Populus euramericana > Azadirachta indica > Cedrus deodara > Pinus roxburghii > Morus alba > Tectona grandis > Mangifera indica > Acacia arabica > Thuja occidentalis > Abies pindrow . Although M. championi fed aggressively on P. roxburghii , the wooden blocks had undesirable effect on the survival of the species, manifesting toxic nature of the wood.