Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) is best known throughout southwestern counties of Ontario, Canada, as an urban pest. Little is known, however, of the presence of this termite in nonurban settings in Ontario. In this study, we confirmed the existence of a population of R. flavipes on the shores of Lake Erie within Point Pelee National Park. A systematic trap survey conducted along the park's semi-vegetated west beach revealed several zones of termite activity. An analysis of trap response at one location indicated an association between termite activity and smaller sized, moderately decayed woody debris. Further, microsatellite DNA analysis suggested the presence of at least three genetically distinct colonies, each likely headed by multiple inbred reproductives. Together these data suggest that termite activity is linked to food quality, and that single colonies are potentially long-lived through multiple generations of inbreeding. Assuming it is derived from a population reported from Point Pelee in 1929, the study population is the oldest known eastern subterranean termite population in Ontario.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 May 2011
Trap Response and Genetic Structure of Eastern Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada
Melissa Raffoul,
Stephen J. Hecnar,
Stephanie Prezioso,
Darlene R. Hecnar,
Graham J. Thompson
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.

The Canadian Entomologist
Vol. 143 • No. 3
May 2011
Vol. 143 • No. 3
May 2011