Detection of foraging activity of Coptotermes curvignathus (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae) in an Hevea brasiliensis plantation in Malaysia

The foraging activity of the subterranean termite, Coptotermes curvignathus (Rhinotermitidae), in a Hevea brasiliensis plantation was studied. Twenty four stations consisting of Pinus caribaea wooden stakes buried in the soil at a distance of 3.5 by 5m were established. The movement of the termite w as monitored by placing one trap baited with toilet paper rolls dyed with 1 % neutral red at the center of the plot. The data from monthly observations over a period of one year show that the C. curvignathus colony consumed a total of 1155.0 to 3030.0g or about 138.5 to 252.6 g. of wood in a station, The colony covered a foraging territory of about 150 m(2). Variations in t he amount of rainfall did not seem to influence the foraging activity, The termites were more active in soil with a higher moisture content. The colon y, however, was affected by flooding that occurred during the study period, but they were able to resume their foraging activity when the soil environ ment was back to a normal condition. The result from the study suggests tha t with appropriate monitoring and tracking systems, colony of C. curvignath us and the extent of its foraging activity could be detected and assessed.