Diversity of Termites in Savanna Areas Submitted to Different Fire Activities

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to collect, identify and quantify species of termite in three savanna areas submitted to different fire activities in different seasons. The study was carried out in Cuiaba, State of Mato Grosso, between May 2004 and March 2005. Samples were collected from three different areas submitted to fire: area 1 - 1 year without fire occurrence; area 2-10 years without fire occurrence; area 3-17 years without occurrence fire. Twenty Termitrap model traps were used per area. The traps were installed in cross form, staying buried in the soil for 15 days at each collection period. The samples were transported to the laboratory where they were separated, quantified and conditioned in alcohol 70% for identification. The collection resulted in 167.316 individuals of 13 species. Heterotermes tenuis was the most quantitatively representative species in the studied areas. The termites showed significant preference for area 2-10 years without fire occurrence. The collection period in the beginning of the rain season yielded a significantly greater amount of individuals, but fewer species.

Keywords:
isoptera; cerrado; ecology of fire; Termitrap.