Diversity of Termites (Isoptera: Termitidae,Rhinotermitidae) in Rubber-Tree Plantations in Puerto López (Meta,Colombia)

The diversity and relative abundance of termites in association with rubber-tree (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations was estimated for different aged stands in well-drained plateau in the Llanos Orientales (Puerto López, Meta). Three plantation ages were surveyed in two climate seasons: rainy in 2009 (May, June) and dry in 2010 (February, March), using the transect method with modifications. Ten species were found belonging to the families Termitidae (Apicotermitinae, Termitinae, Nasutitermitinae, Syntermitinae) and Rhinotermitidae (Heterotermitinae). Termite diversity in rubber plantations older than two years was predominately xylophagous and saprophagous, with Anoplotermes spp., Heterotermes convexinotatus and Grigiotermes sp. being the most common species. The diversity and abundance of xylophagous termites in association with rubber trees was favored by the availability of resources in the more well developed plantations, but in no case was any damaging activity observed in the crop. The results suggest an important role for H. convexinotatus in the recycling of wood residues, especially in the older tree plantations.