Intracolonial demography, biomass and food consumption of Macrotermes natalensis (Haviland) (Isoptera: Termitidae) colonies in the northern Kruger National Park, South Africa

摘要: In order to derive biomass estimates for Macrotermes natalensis (Hav.) (Isoptera: Termitidae) in the northern Kruger National Park, a statistical bootstrap procedure was carried out using three databases: body mass, colony population sizes and mound density. Live (excluding king queen) of M. small, medium large mounds found be 0.17, 1.40 4.16 kg, respectively. Dry/wet mass ratios were established workers (23.7%), major soldiers (20.3%), minor (35.3%), nymphs (17.1%), (35.4%) queen (20.8%). Average live dry (including nymphs; excluding reproductives) KNP calculated 0.51 kg ha (0.051 g m) 0.11 (0.011 m), Geology, geomorphology, elevation, local relief, soil patterns annual rainfall abiotic factors shown most influential determining termite biomass, either directly or indirectly. Termite is high undulated areas where elevation 250–400 m, granitic rhyolitic soils occur, (650–700 mm) context region.