Aspectos Ecológicos Da Termitofauna De Um Remanescente De Caatinga Da Região Neotropical, Brasil (original) (raw)

The Isoptera infraorder, popularly known as termites, is composed of the dominant decomposers and the most important in the decomposition of vegetable necromass and nutrient cycling. However, few studies about composition and characterization of their taxocenoses in the Caatinga biome were carried out, in particular in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate and describe the composition, diversity and richness of the termite fauna in the National Forest (Flona) Açú, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in addition to determining the density of termite nests per hectare. For the registration and collection of termites, a standardized protocol was followed, in the period between April and May 2017, the collected species were cataloged and grouped according to the food guild, nesting habits, as well as the density of termite nests/ha. At end, 7 species and 12 encounters were recorded. The Termitidae family was considered dominant in both number of species and number of encounters. The percentage of humivorous and xylophaga species were equivalent, although wood consumers were dominant in number of encounters. Regarding nesting habits, the most expressive values were for species that build their nests inside or live in logs. The density, relatively high of nests/ha, 131.86 nests/ha estimated for Flona of Açu, shows a strong presence of these insects Caatinga this área. .