NEST-BUILDING TERMITE ASSEMBLAGES IN A WHITE-SAND AMAZONIAN FOREST FRAGMENT, LORETO- PERU

Rojas R.R.; Arango Mora C.; Sánchez Vela C.; Pezo Diaz R.; Muñoz G.E.; Del Águila Chávez J.; Sánchez Y.; Ríos Tuisima C.; Ángulo C.; Añape M.; Pinedo-Garcia R.B.; Almeida De Azevedo R.; Almeida De Azevedo R. · Folia Amazonica (2025) · DOI: 10.24841/fa.v34i1.808

Resumen

Termites are ecosystem engineers whose nest-building activities alter soil structure and nutrient cycling. In this study, we assessed the characteristics and diversity of nest building termite assemblages in a white-sand forest fragment near Iquitos, Loreto, Peru. We surveyed ten 30 × 30 m plots in the forest to quantify nest density, taxonomic composition, nest-type, botanical substrates, nest coloration, and spatial variation in nest abundance. A total of 156 nests were recorded, representing five genera: Nasutitermes, Embiratermes, Coptotermes, Constrictotermes, and Termes. The most common botanical substrates associated with nest building belonged to the families Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, and Fabaceae, particularly Alchornea triplinervia. Most nests were arboreal (58,0%) and dark brown in color (57,05%). Nest abundance increased significantly with greater distance from the road. In conclusion, despite the low nutrient availability, the white-sand forest fragment supports a dense and diverse assemblage of nest building termites.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana