COMPARISON OF FIELD METHODS TO DETECT TERMITE ACTIVITY IN THE NORTHERN CHIHUAHUAN DESERT (ISOPTERA)

The subterranean termites, Gnathamitermes tubiformans (Buckley) and Am itermes wheeleri (Desneux), play an essential role in terrestrial ecos ystems of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. They regulate nutrient turno ver, contribute to patterns of nutrient concentration, and determine t he diversity and heterogeneity of desert plant communities. Therefore, they are considered keystone species in northern Chilluahuan Desert e cosystems. Our objectives were to compare the efficiency and cost effe ctiveness of six field procedures to detect termite activity. Efficien cy was defined as the relative ability to attract termites during a gi ven period of time. Cost effectiveness was based on the number of hour s involved in preparing, handling and processing the samples, The meth ods included artificial baits, natural baits, and litter sweeps. The s pecific baits were: uncoated corrugated cardboard blocks, unscented ge neric rolls of toilet paper, cattle dung, fluff grass (Dasyochloa pulc hella), and soap-tree yucca (Yucca elata) stalks. In addition, termite s were collected with litter sweeps. Results show that cattle dung is the most efficient in detecting termite activity, and litter sweeps th e most cost effective, although also least efficient. The results of t his study will benefit future termite studies on consumption rates, an d relative population densities.