A Preliminary Inventory of Subterranean Termites in the Premises of Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya and the Potential of a Ponerine Ant Species, Neemazal-F and Citronella Oil in the Control of Two Termite Species

Abstract

Termites are an important biotic component in terrestrial ecosystems and the termites in seven localities of the Faculty of Science of University of Kelaniya were investigated by employing soil sifting, litter sifting, hand collection, baited pitfall trapping and long term baits from September, 2008 to April, 2009. The collected termites were preserved in 80% ethanol. Soil temperature and pH, and percentage soil moisture at each location were also recorded. Members of Termitidae and Rhinotermitidae, Dicuspeditermes incola Wasmann, Heterotermes ceylonicus Holmgren, Nasutitermes ceylonicus Holmgren, Nasutitermes horni Wasmann, Odontotermes ceylonicus Wasmann, Odontotermes horni Wasmann and Trinervitermes rubidus Hagen, were recorded. Odontotermes horni had a wide distribution in the seven localities. The interactions between a common ponerine ant, Odontomachus simillimus F. Smith and O. ceylonicus Wasmann revealed that O. simillimus acts as a natural enemy of this termite species. Termiticidal potential of Neemazal-F and citronella oil on the soldiers and workers of O. horni was evident while LD50 values were 11.15 mg and 8.21 mg per body weight g-1 of each product, respectively.