Temperature Studies of the Mounds and Environment of Amitermes Evuncifer Silvestri (Isoptera: Termitidae).

Abstract

The temperatures (24.60-33.5ºC) inside occupied mounds of Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri were generally higher than those inside abandoned mounds (21.5-28.8ºC) or in the surrounding soils (22.6º-30.6ºC). In general, the high temperatures of occupied mounds were comparatively more stable than the ambient temperatures. The reasons for this are discussed. The importance of high relative humidity of the atmosphere to the time of nest building and repairs was also observed.