FIRE ANT PREDATION ON NATIVE AND INTRODUCED SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES IN THE LABORATORY - EFFECT OF HIGH SOLDIER NUMBER IN COPTOTERMES-FORMOSANUS

1. Native Reticulitermes spp. Holmgren and the introduced Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) were exposed to predati on in the laboratory by Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formici dae), a known predator of Reticulitermes. 2. In one experiment, both t axa contained the 2.4% soldiers commonly found in Reticulitermes. In a second experiment, Reticulitermes contained 2.4% and C.formosanus a m ore normal 18.3% soldiers. 3. When soldier proportions were equal, C.f ormosanus soldiers suffered less of a decrease in survivorship due to predation compared with Reticulitermes soldiers. Little difference was found between taxa in the effect of predation on termite workers or i n the effect of termites on predator survivorship. 4. When soldier pro portions were unequal, both C.formosanus castes suffered less from pre dation than those of Reticulitermes. Again, little difference was foun d in the effect of termites on ants. 5. C.formosanus showed less movem ent into new containers when soldier number was abnormally low, compar ed with both taxa with normal caste proportions.