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Two types of mound built by the termite Macrotermes subhyalinus in Kenya

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Johanna P. E. C. Darlington
Johanna P. E. C. Darlington
Affiliation:
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract

The termite Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur) builds large earthen mounds of many different types, two of which are described in detail here. As far as is known at present, the two types occur in different areas. The main difference is in the ventilation system. In one, the Bissel type, there are many holes connected up inside the mound in such a way that external air is drawn through the passages and cools the interior of the mound. The other, the Marigat type, has only one large opening raised to a considerable height above the ground so that air is drawn out at the top, and drawn in from the surrounding soil through underground foraging passages.

Keywords

Macrotermes subhyalinusmound structureventilationKenya
Type
Research Articles
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 5 , Issue 6 , December 1984 , pp. 481 - 492
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1984

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References

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