On the elevated intestinal pH of higher termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) (original) (raw)

Summary

The pH of the gut contents was measured in 52 species of higher termites (Termitidae), representing 36 genera in all four subfamilies. A statistically significant trend was shown from lower termites with low mean gut pH through to the Termitinae with higher mean gut pHs. Elevation of the pH occurred principally in the first and third proctodaeal segments, reaching values as high as 10.5 in 8 soil-feeding genera and 1 wood-feeding genus of Termitinae. Elevation of gut pH within the Termitidae appears to be independent of the general nature of the feeding substrate.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. School of Biological Sciences, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS, London, UK
   D. E. Bignell
2. Biodiversity Division, Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, London, UK
   P. Eggleton

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1. D. E. Bignell
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2. P. Eggleton
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Bignell, D.E., Eggleton, P. On the elevated intestinal pH of higher termites (Isoptera: Termitidae).Ins. Soc 42, 57–69 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01245699

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• Received: 13 April 1994
• Revised: 05 September 1994
• Accepted: 12 September 1994
• Issue Date: March 1995
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01245699

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