Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2007

DOI

10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14[139:trprtl]2.0.co;2

Publication Title

Northeastern Naturalist

Volume

14

Issue

1

Pages

139-144

Abstract

The termites Reticuliterines virginicus and R. flavipes are sympatric in forests along the eastern United States from Florida to Maryland. These congeners construct subterranean nests, forage on surface and buried wood, and appear to have very similar ecological requirements. In the present study, I examined host-wood selection by these species in a coastal forest over two years. Logs inhabited by R. virginicus had significantly greater diameters than those used by R. flavipes. It is not known whether this pattern resulted from species-specific differences in preference for host size or competition for preferred logs. Host-wood temperature did not differ for R. virginicus and R. flavipes.

Original Publication Citation

Waller, D. A. (2007). Termite resource partitioning related to log diameter. Northeastern Naturalist, 14(1), 139-144. doi:10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14[139:trprtl]2.0.co;2

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