Effect of tree size and growth form on the presence and activity of arboreal termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in the Atlantic Rain Forest.

Abstract

Despite the well known diversity of termites capable of inhabiting arboreal environments, the determinants of tree exploitation by térmites remain largely unknown. Data collected on trees exploited by termites in Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, a hot spot of diversity, reveals that whereas termite presence on trees is positively related simply to tree size, termite activity within arboreal tunnels depends on tree size and growth form. This leads us to hypothesize that termites find large trees randomly but keep higher activity in large trees due to the availability of food and arboreal nesting sites.