Survival of A. Ahngerianus (Isoptera: Hodotermitidae) Under the Influence of External Factors (Relative Humidity and Temperature) and Use of Different Water Sources

Abstract

A.ahngerianus Jacobs (Hodotermitidae) is a species of subterranean termite causing damage in Central Asian cities. Despite its economic importance, there has been no research on its basic biological aspects for laboratory management and control strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate relative humidity, temperature and to identify other water sources that A. ahngerianus may use for best survival under laboratory conditions. Other water sources that termites can use were identified using a range of six relative humidity levels (10 to 100%) and three temperatures (25, 30, and 35 °C). These included metabolic water from food decomposition, fat body water, free liquid water, groundwater, and water bound to various substrates (e.g., wood, soil, and chick carcasses). The results of this study showed a significant influence of all factors on termite survival or termite preference. At 100% humidity and 25 °C, A.ahngerianus had the highest survival rate, reaching 89.62% after three days of observation. Based on these preliminary analyses, it was concluded that with the appropriate percentage of humidity, further studies using biologically relevant conditions can be conducted to investigate different aspects of A.ahngerianus biology.