Srinivasa Murthy, K. Available Ind. J. Pure online App. Biosci.at www.ijpab.com (2020) 8(5), 141 -149 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8193 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 141-149 Research Article Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Open Access Journal Diversity and abundance of Subterranean Termites in South India K. Srinivasa Murthy* National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, P B No. 2491, H A Farm Post, Bellary Road Bangalore - 560 024, Karnataka, India *Corresponding Author E-mail:
[email protected] Received: 7.07.2020 | Revised: 12.08.2020 | Accepted: 20.08.2020 ABSTRACT The abundance and diversity of subterranean termites was studied in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Keralae, Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Fifteen species of termites belonging to subfamilies Apicotermitinae, Kalotermitidae, Macrotermitinae and Nasutitermitinae, were recorded. The fungus growing termites (Macrotermitinae) accounted for 66.66% abundance, across the states. The Apicotermitinae (soil feeders) and Kalotermitidae (dry wood termites) registered 6.62% each and the dry wood termites (Nasutitermitinae) recorded 20.1% abundance. Among the different species of termites, Odontermes obesus, was more predominant (15.62%) than others. The cropping pattern, soil type and topography predisposed the abundance and diversity of termites. Keywords: Abundance, Cropping pattern, Diversity, Macrotermitinae. INTRODUCTION Ali, et al., 2013) as they play a vital role in Termites (Isoptera) are considered as the most recycling of plant materials and wood, abundant invertebrates and represent up to modifying and improving the soil condition 95% of soil insect biomass show an elaborated and composition, and providing food for other morphology and complex behaviour (Wang, et animals (Ackerman et al.