STUDIES ON POPULATION DENSITY AND DIVERSITY OF TERMITES OF DISTRICT BAHAWALNAGAR

Abstract

Six species of termites (Coptotermes heimi, Microtermes mycophagus, Microtermes obesi, Odontotermes guptai, Odontotermes obesus and Amitermes sp.), foraging in soil, were recorded by 250 soil cores of 30x30 cm area taken from district Bahawalnagar. Maximum population density of termites was recorded in January (124.44/m2) and minimum in March (30.27/m2). There was positive but non-significant (P>0.05) correlation between population density and atmospheric temperature and relative humidity. Termite diversity on Simpson scale was 62% and according to Shannon Weiner function 65%. Termites foraging on trees were the same that were recorded foraging in the soil. Termite diversity worked out on the basis of termites foraging in soil and on trees is also
discussed.