Thermal regulatory mechanisms of termites from two different savannah ecosystems

Abstract

Termites are known for their abilities to regulate the conditions within their nests through the mounds that they build or the location of the built mound which assist in keeping the internal temperature within the requirement of the colony. These mechanisms to regulate vary between species, with some species adapting passive behaviours such as nest site selection and nest structures that permit passive heating or cooling. Here we studied seven species of mound building termites from five genera in two different savannah (Sahel and Sudan) and determined some of their passive thermal control strategies. Seven species of termites; Amitermes sp., Cubitermes oculatus, Macrotermes bellicosus, M. subhyalinus, Odontotermes sp., Trinervitermes sp. A and Trinervitermes sp. B were identified from the two savannah, We found no significant difference in internal mound temperatures between the species. In both savannah types most of the termites built their nest under the shade. We discuss the adaptive implications of building mounds under the shades as seen in species of M. bellicosus, M. subhyalinus and Odontotermes sp. Or those building mounds with unique shapes as seen in C. oculatus with mushroom shaped mounds for their role in thermal regulation within the nest and how this represents a response to environmental conditions.