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Michael Lenz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Termites assess wood size by using vibration signals
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2005Co-Authors: Joseph C. S. Lai, Emilie Toledano, Lee Mcdowall, Sandrine T. Rakotonarivo, Michael LenzAbstract:Contrary to the common perception that Termites are indiscrimi-nant eaters, Termites choose their food carefully; however, the methods by which they choose food are not well understood. Using choice experiments and recordings of Termites feeding on wooden blocks of different sizes, we show that worker Drywood Termites (Cryptotermes domesticus) use the resonant frequency of a block of wood to assess its size. Drywood Termites showed differences in their response to vibration recordings of Termites compared with artificially generated signals, suggesting that they can discriminate the source of vibration. Furthermore, fewer workers matured into neotenic reproductives when recorded termite signals were played, suggesting that vibration signals play an important role in termite communication.
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Phylogenetic analysis and trait evolution in Australian lineages of Drywood Termites (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae).
Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2000Co-Authors: Graham J. Thompson, Michael Lenz, Leigh R Miller, Ross H. CrozierAbstract:A phylogenetic analysis of Australian Drywood Termites (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae) based on partial sequence from the cytochrome oxidase II (COII) and cytochrome b genes is presented. In addition to providing new information on the evolutionary relationships among 25 species from seven genera, we evaluate the relative likelihoods of alternative topological hypotheses, including those derived from morphology-based classifications. We also test the applicability of a molecular clock for estimating the age of the Kalotermitidae and infer the evolution of species-specific variation for habitat type and soldier caste phragmosis by mapping this information onto the independently derived phylogeny. Maximum-likelihood analysis of both nucleotide and protein sequences from a multigene data set jointly support a single topology, which is shown to be the best estimate of the true phylogeny among the alternatives tested. Our results support the monophyly of all genera but question the discrimination between Procryptotermes and Cryptotermes. A basal dichotomy among generic groups suggests two principle lines of divergence within the family. Intergeneric relationships show mixed congruence to previous proposals, resulting in one morphology-based classification being rejected. A molecular clock hypothesis is not supported due to significant among-lineage rate heterogeneity in the COII gene. Patterns revealed through trait mapping suggest that the most recently diverged taxa tend to occupy the driest habitats and that these same taxa reflect a defensive transition away from large mandibulate soldiers toward small phragmotic soldiers. The association between habitat and defensibility supports the hypothesis that these two characters have been tightly linked throughout the social diversification of Termites.
Vernard R Lewis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Potential of Using Acoustical Emission to Detect Termites Within Wood 1
2012Co-Authors: Vernard R Lewis, Richard L. LemasterAbstract:Abstract: Acoustical emission (AE) equipment was used to detect Drywood Termites Incisitermes minor in ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa blocks under laboratory conditions. Using a 60 kHz transducer, AE levels were recorded for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 Termites per block. The association of AE and varying numbers of Drywood Termites best fit an exponential curve. These data suggest that the detection capabilities of AE increase with increasing numbers of Termites. The implications of this finding to the potential use of AE in detecting Termites under field conditions are discussed. In California, as many as 73 species of insects have been reported to cause damage to wooden structures (Ebeling 1975). Of these species, the subterranean termite Reticulitermes hesperus Banks and the Drywood termite Incisitermes minor (Hagen) have had the greatest economic impact. Each year, more than 1.5 million inspection reports on Termites and other wood-damaging pests are filed with the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). Notices of Corrective Actions against these pests annually exceed 250,000, and the yearly costs of these inspections and control measures exceed $350 million (Brier and others 1988). In the past, control of Termites within buildings relied heavily on the use of chlordane. However, because of problems involving environmental contamination and pesticide-related injuries, chlordane, along with many other pesticides, are no longer used or registered for control of wood-destroying insects. Since the discontinuance of the use of chlordane for subterranean termite control, recent reports reveal that termite control failures have increased as much as 30 percent (Katz 1989), and often result in additional callback treatments. As the number of callback treatments increases, there is concern that pesticide usage in urban areas, already mor
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Quantitative Changes in Hydrocarbons over Time in Fecal Pellets of Incisitermes minor May Predict Whether Colonies Are Alive or Dead
Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2010Co-Authors: Vernard R Lewis, Michael I Haverty, Lori J. Nelson, James A. BaldwinAbstract:Hydrocarbon mixtures extracted from fecal pellets of Drywood Termites are species-specific and can be characterized to identify the Termites responsible for damage, even when Termites are no longer present or are unable to be recovered easily. In structures infested by Drywood Termites, it is common to find fecal pellets, but difficult to sample Termites from the wood. When fecal pellets appear after remedial treatment of a structure, it is difficult to determine whether this indicates that Termites in the structure are still alive and active or not. We examined the hydrocarbon composition of workers, alates, and soldiers of Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (family Kalotermitidae) and of fecal pellets of workers. Hydrocarbons were qualitatively similar among castes and pellets. Fecal pellets that were aged for periods of 0, 30, 90, and 365 days after collection were qualitatively similar across all time periods, however, the relative quantities of certain individual hydrocarbons changed over time, with 19 of the 73 hydrocarbon peaks relatively increasing or decreasing. When the sums of the positive and negative slopes of these 19 hydrocarbons were indexed, they produced a highly significant linear correlation ( R ^2 = 0.89). Consequently, the quantitative differences of these hydrocarbons peaks can be used to determine the age of worker fecal pellets, and thus help determine whether the colony that produced them is alive or dead.
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Quantitative Changes in Hydrocarbons over Time in Fecal Pellets of Incisitermes minor May Predict Whether Colonies Are Alive or Dead
2010Co-Authors: Vernard R Lewis, Michael I Haverty, Lori J. Nelson, James A. BaldwinAbstract:# The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract Hydrocarbon mixtures extracted from fecal pellets of Drywood Termites are species-specific and can be characterized to identify the Termites responsible for damage, even when Termites are no longer present or are unable to be recovered easily. In structures infested by Drywood Termites, it is common to find fecal pellets, but difficult to sample Termites from the wood. When fecal pellets appear after remedial treatment of a structure, it is difficult to determine whether this indicates that Termites in the structure are still alive and active or not. We examined the hydrocarbon composition of workers, alates, and soldiers of Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (family Kalotermitidae) and of fecal pellets of workers. Hydrocarbons were qualitatively similar among castes and pellets. Fecal pellets that were aged for periods of 0, 30, 90, and 365 days after collection were qualitatively similar across all time periods, however, the relative quantities of certain individual hydrocarbons changed over time, with 19 of the 73 hydrocarbon peaks relatively increasing or decreasing. When the sums of the positive and negative slopes of these 19 hydrocarbons were indexed, they produced a highly significant linear correlation (R 2 =0.89). Consequently, the quantitative differences of these hydrocarbons peaks can be used to determine the age of worker fecal pellets, and thus help determine whether the colony that produced them is alive or dead
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ipm for Drywood Termites isoptera kalotermitidae
Journal of Entomological Science, 2003Co-Authors: Vernard R LewisAbstract:The foundation of IPM for Drywood Termites (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) has academic and industry origins some extending back several decades. Regardless of the origin, the underlying philosophy of IPM for Drywood Termites is consistent and includes correct identification of the pest, monitoring its activity, and use of a variety of treatment methods including chemical, nonchemical, and prevention. Species diversity and adaptive biology can make the detection and treatment of Drywood Termites challenging and difficult. Advances in detection technology now make it feasible to determine whether Drywood Termites are active within wood. Recent advances have also made it feasible to non-chemically treat for Drywood Termites. Efficacy testing is incomplete for many of the newer detection and treatment options especially field trials. In addition, pest control legislation and regulations have not kept up with the technological changes, particularly for detection devices and nonchemical treatment options. The inter...
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evaluation of six techniques for control of the western Drywood termite isoptera kalotermitidae in structures
Journal of Economic Entomology, 1996Co-Authors: Vernard R Lewis, Michael I HavertyAbstract:Chemical and nonchemical methods for control of western Drywood Termites, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), were evaluated under conditions that simulated infestations in structures. The efficacy of excessive heat or cold, electrocution, microwaves, and 2 fumigants was evaluated. Termite mortality in artificially infested boards was 100% at 3 d after treatment for both fumigant gases. Heating the whole-structure or spot-applications using microwaves resulted in 96 and 90% mortality, respectively 3 d after treatment. Mortality levels 4 wk after treatment increased to 98% for heat and 92% for microwaves. Spot-applications of liquid nitrogen at 381.8 kg/m 3 achieved 100% mortality 3 d after treatment. However, for 122.7 and 57.3 kg/m 3 , mortality levels 4 wk after treatment were 99 and 87%, respectively. Mortality by spot-applications of electricity was 44% 3 d after treatment in the 1st test. Four weeks after treatment Drywood termite mortality increased to 81%. In a 2nd electrocution test, using spotapplication techniques infrequently used in structures, mortality levels increased to 93% at 3 d and 99% at 4 wk after treatment. The distribution of termite survivors within the test building and test boards varied for some treatment techniques. For naturally infested boards, both fumigants exceeded 99% mortality. Use of heat and microwaves resulted in 100 and 99% mortality levels, respectively, 4 wk after treatment. Applications of liquid nitrogen resulted in mortality ≥ 99.8% at 381.8 and 122.7 kg/m 3 ; however, mortality for 57.3 kg/m 3 was significantly lower (74%). Mortality levels from electrocution were 89 and 95% 4 wk after treatment, respectively, in the 2 tests. Damage to test boards and the test building did occur. Six test boards were scorched during microwave treatment, 80% of test boards were damaged during electrocution, and visible signs of damage to the test building were noted for whole-structure heating. This study provides information for evaluation of the relative efficacy of fumigation and nonchemical alternatives for the control of Drywood termite infestations in structures.
James F A Traniello - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Disease resistance in the Drywood termite, Incisitermes schwarzi: does nesting ecology affect immunocompetence?
Journal of Insect Science, 2010Co-Authors: Daniel V. Calleri, Rebeca B Rosengaus, James F A TranielloAbstract:Termites live in nests that can differ in microbial load and thus vary in degree of disease risk. It was hypothesized that termite investment in immune response would differ in species living in nest environments that vary in the richness and abundance of microbes. Using the Drywood termite, Incisitermes schwarzi Banks (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae), as a model for species having low nest and cuticular microbial loads, the susceptibility of individuals and groups to conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), was examined. The survivorship of I. schwarzi was compared to that of the dampwood termite, Zootermopsis angusticollis Hagen (Termopsidae), a species with comparatively high microbial loads. The results indicated that I. schwarzi derives similar benefits from group living as Z. angusticollis: isolated Termites had 5.5 times the hazard ratio of death relative to Termites nesting in groups of 25 while Termites in groups of 10 did not differ significantly from the groups of 25. The results also indicated, after controlling for the influence of group size and conidia exposure on survivorship, that Z. angusticollis was significantly more susceptible to fungal infection than I. schwarzi, the former having 1.6 times the hazard ratio of death relative to Drywood Termites. Thus, disease susceptibility and individual investment in immunocompetence may not be dependent on interspecific variation in microbial pressures. The data validate prior studies indicating that sociality has benefits in infection control and suggest that social mechanisms of disease resistance, rather than individual physiological and immunological adaptations, may have been the principle target of selection related to variation in infection risk from microbes in the nest environment of different termite species.
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Nesting ecology and cuticular microbial loads in dampwood (Zootermopsis angusticollis) and Drywood Termites (Incisitermes minor, I. schwarzi, Cryptotermes cavifrons)
Oxford University Press, 2003Co-Authors: Rebeca B Rosengaus, Daniel V. Calleri, Jacqueline E. Moustakas, James F A TranielloAbstract:Termites form one-piece nests in wood that can vary in their moisture content and degree of decomposition, and thus microbial richness. To estimate the microbial load of nests and the potential risk they pose for colony members, we quantified the number of microbes in the nest and on the cuticle of the dampwood termite, Zootermopsis angusticollis, and three Drywood Termites, Incisitermes minor, I. schwarzi, and Cryptotermes cavifrons. The number of colony forming units (CFUs) cultured from nest material samples and washes of the cuticle of larvae and nymphs were determined. CFUs recorded from nest material was low (fewer than 60 CFUs/g) in the Drywood Termites and comparatively high in the dampwood species, as more than 800 bacterial and fungal CFUs/g were cultured from the nest material of Z. angusticollis. Similarly, cuticular microbial loads were negligible in the Drywood Termites sampled, ranging from 0.5 to fewer than 16 CFUs/cm2, whereas approximately 200 CFUs/cm2 were cultured from Z. angusticollis. The nesting and feeding habits of these basal species likely influence colony microbial load and the degree of pathogen exposure, which in turn could favor adaptations to resist disease that vary with termite nesting biology
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The role o...
2003Co-Authors: Rebeca B Rosengaus, Daniel V. Calleri, Jacqueline E. Moustakas, James F A TranielloAbstract:insectscience.org Nesting ecology and cuticular microbial loads in dampwood (Zootermopsis angusticollis) and Drywood Termites (Incisitermes minor, I. schwarzi, Cryptotermes cavifrons
Michael I Haverty - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Quantitative Changes in Hydrocarbons over Time in Fecal Pellets of Incisitermes minor May Predict Whether Colonies Are Alive or Dead
Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2010Co-Authors: Vernard R Lewis, Michael I Haverty, Lori J. Nelson, James A. BaldwinAbstract:Hydrocarbon mixtures extracted from fecal pellets of Drywood Termites are species-specific and can be characterized to identify the Termites responsible for damage, even when Termites are no longer present or are unable to be recovered easily. In structures infested by Drywood Termites, it is common to find fecal pellets, but difficult to sample Termites from the wood. When fecal pellets appear after remedial treatment of a structure, it is difficult to determine whether this indicates that Termites in the structure are still alive and active or not. We examined the hydrocarbon composition of workers, alates, and soldiers of Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (family Kalotermitidae) and of fecal pellets of workers. Hydrocarbons were qualitatively similar among castes and pellets. Fecal pellets that were aged for periods of 0, 30, 90, and 365 days after collection were qualitatively similar across all time periods, however, the relative quantities of certain individual hydrocarbons changed over time, with 19 of the 73 hydrocarbon peaks relatively increasing or decreasing. When the sums of the positive and negative slopes of these 19 hydrocarbons were indexed, they produced a highly significant linear correlation ( R ^2 = 0.89). Consequently, the quantitative differences of these hydrocarbons peaks can be used to determine the age of worker fecal pellets, and thus help determine whether the colony that produced them is alive or dead.
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Quantitative Changes in Hydrocarbons over Time in Fecal Pellets of Incisitermes minor May Predict Whether Colonies Are Alive or Dead
2010Co-Authors: Vernard R Lewis, Michael I Haverty, Lori J. Nelson, James A. BaldwinAbstract:# The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract Hydrocarbon mixtures extracted from fecal pellets of Drywood Termites are species-specific and can be characterized to identify the Termites responsible for damage, even when Termites are no longer present or are unable to be recovered easily. In structures infested by Drywood Termites, it is common to find fecal pellets, but difficult to sample Termites from the wood. When fecal pellets appear after remedial treatment of a structure, it is difficult to determine whether this indicates that Termites in the structure are still alive and active or not. We examined the hydrocarbon composition of workers, alates, and soldiers of Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (family Kalotermitidae) and of fecal pellets of workers. Hydrocarbons were qualitatively similar among castes and pellets. Fecal pellets that were aged for periods of 0, 30, 90, and 365 days after collection were qualitatively similar across all time periods, however, the relative quantities of certain individual hydrocarbons changed over time, with 19 of the 73 hydrocarbon peaks relatively increasing or decreasing. When the sums of the positive and negative slopes of these 19 hydrocarbons were indexed, they produced a highly significant linear correlation (R 2 =0.89). Consequently, the quantitative differences of these hydrocarbons peaks can be used to determine the age of worker fecal pellets, and thus help determine whether the colony that produced them is alive or dead
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evaluation of six techniques for control of the western Drywood termite isoptera kalotermitidae in structures
Journal of Economic Entomology, 1996Co-Authors: Vernard R Lewis, Michael I HavertyAbstract:Chemical and nonchemical methods for control of western Drywood Termites, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), were evaluated under conditions that simulated infestations in structures. The efficacy of excessive heat or cold, electrocution, microwaves, and 2 fumigants was evaluated. Termite mortality in artificially infested boards was 100% at 3 d after treatment for both fumigant gases. Heating the whole-structure or spot-applications using microwaves resulted in 96 and 90% mortality, respectively 3 d after treatment. Mortality levels 4 wk after treatment increased to 98% for heat and 92% for microwaves. Spot-applications of liquid nitrogen at 381.8 kg/m 3 achieved 100% mortality 3 d after treatment. However, for 122.7 and 57.3 kg/m 3 , mortality levels 4 wk after treatment were 99 and 87%, respectively. Mortality by spot-applications of electricity was 44% 3 d after treatment in the 1st test. Four weeks after treatment Drywood termite mortality increased to 81%. In a 2nd electrocution test, using spotapplication techniques infrequently used in structures, mortality levels increased to 93% at 3 d and 99% at 4 wk after treatment. The distribution of termite survivors within the test building and test boards varied for some treatment techniques. For naturally infested boards, both fumigants exceeded 99% mortality. Use of heat and microwaves resulted in 100 and 99% mortality levels, respectively, 4 wk after treatment. Applications of liquid nitrogen resulted in mortality ≥ 99.8% at 381.8 and 122.7 kg/m 3 ; however, mortality for 57.3 kg/m 3 was significantly lower (74%). Mortality levels from electrocution were 89 and 95% 4 wk after treatment, respectively, in the 2 tests. Damage to test boards and the test building did occur. Six test boards were scorched during microwave treatment, 80% of test boards were damaged during electrocution, and visible signs of damage to the test building were noted for whole-structure heating. This study provides information for evaluation of the relative efficacy of fumigation and nonchemical alternatives for the control of Drywood termite infestations in structures.
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2005. Identification of termite species by the hydrocarbons in their feces
1996Co-Authors: Michael I Haverty, Lori J. Nelson, Joseph R. Woodrow, Kenneth J. GraceAbstract:Abstract—Blends of abundant cuticular hydrocarbons are species-specific for Termites (Isoptera) and can be used to identify a given taxon without the diagnostic castes, soldiers or adults. We demonstrate that hydrocarbon extracts of termite fecal pellets from damaged wood can also be characterized and used to identify Termites responsible for damage, even though Termites are no longer present or easily recovered. In structures infested by Drywood Termites, it is common to find fecal pellets, but difficult to extract Termites from the finished wood in service. Nine species belonging to two families (Kalotermitidae and Termopsidae) were examined to compare the hydrocar-bon composition of Termites and their fecal pellets. Diversity was extensive: at least one half of the amount of the hydrocarbons from Neotermes connexus, Incisitermes immigrans, Cryptotermes brevis, Cryptotermes cynocephalus, Procryptotermes corniceps, and Zootermopsis nevadensis nuttingi was olefins. Incisitermes minor and Pterotermes occidentis incorporated only small amounts of olefins in cuticular hydrocarbons; Marginitermes hubbardi had no detectable olefins. Hydrocarbons extracted from fecal pellets were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to cuticular extracts and can be used to determine the termite species responsible without the Termites present. Key WordsVChemotaxonomy, cuticular hydrocarbons, dampwood Termites, Drywood Termites, fecal pellets, frass, Kalotermitidae, Isoptera, specie
Brian T Forschler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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evaluation of a localized treatment technique using three ready to use products against the Drywood termite incisitermes snyderi kalotermitidae in naturally infested lumber
Insects, 2012Co-Authors: Robert Hickman, Brian T ForschlerAbstract:Twenty-one boards infested with Drywood Termites were examined for activity using a Termatrac® motion detector. Termite galleries were identified using a Resistograph drill and treated with one of three ready-to-use (RTU) products. Results indicated that the Termatrac was excellent at locating termite activity but provided 9.5% false negatives. The Resistograph located termite galleries with an average of 4.6 ± 2.7 holes drilled to find at least one gallery in a board. Treatments included three formulations and two active ingredients; a foam (imidacloprid), a dry (fipronil) and an experimental formulation in a pressurized can (fipronil). All treatments provided evidence for a reduction in mean termite populations per board compared to the control. Two treatments provided evidence of elimination of infestation but no formulation eliminated infestations in every board that was treated. The concept of local treatment for Drywood termite control is discussed relative to our results.
