Feeding Behavior of Termites on Benue State University (bsu)campus

ABSTRACTFood and feeding habits of insects has been a very important area that is explored in the use of baiting systems to control various insect pests of which termites are part. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the feeding preference of termites found on Benue State University Campus Makurdi. A field observation trial was setup to observe and assess the preference of three (3) different termite food items. The methods involved the use of Corn cobs, Eucalyptus bark and cassava tubers. In order to have a more accurate observation, three locations were chosen for the trial of the three (3) different feeding methods and each method was replicated three (3) times. Three (3) areas were selected for this research; zoological garden, behind the school library and Eastern wing of BSU Campus. Termite mounds were identified and measured food items (600g) were placed 100 meters away from the mounds. The feeding points were visited twice a day and the weight of the food items were taken every 12hours till the 96th hour. This was done at the three sites at the same time. Termite species were collected from the feeding points and taken to the laboratory in labelled vials containing 50% alcohol, samples were sent to Ahmadu Bello University Insectarium for identification. The species of termites identified in this study was Macrotermes malaccensis. A total of 600g each of corn cobs, eucalyptus and cassava tubers were used for the study. After 4 days of observation, the termites were observed to consume higher quantity of corn cobs amounting to 124g with the consumption rate of 6.89%. This was followed by cassava tubers 102g (5.67%). The least consumed feed was the eucalyptus in which only 4g (0.22%) out of 600g used was consumed. There was a highly significant relationship between the rate of food consumption and the food type (p=0.000). There was a significant relationship between daily food consumption and the food type (p=0.035). The result showed that termites consumed slightly higher amount of food in the morning 166g (72.17%) than in the evening 64g (27.83), however this difference was not significant (p=0.510). In conclusion, macrotermes malaccensis is found prefer corn cobs followed by cassava tubers and eucalyptus bark and the rate of consumption was higher in the morning than in the evening. More research should be done in the used of corn cobs as bait in the control of termites.