Elimination and reinvasion studies with Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Louisiana

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Abstract

Three Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), colonies located inside the 12.75-ha Louis Armstrong Park, New Orleans, were selected for elimination by using the chitin synthesis inhibitor hexaflumuron. Once eliminated, each vacated foraging territory was monitored for reinvasion by neighboring C. formosanus colonies, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) colonies, or both. Each selected colony was eliminated in ≈3 mo by using baits containing hexaflumuron. Overall activity of each untreated colony in the park remained unchanged during the same period. New C. formosanus and R. flavipes activity was detected in two of the three vacated territories, and in both areas, within days of selected colony elimination. The third vacated territory was completely reoccupied by a new C. formosanus colony ≈7 mo later. Mark-recapture studies and DNA fingerprinting confirmed the distinctness of the reinvaders from eliminated and neighboring colonies. © 2005 Entomological Society of America.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Economic Entomology

First Page

916

Last Page

929

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