Dispersal flights of termites in an urban ecosystem in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Termite alate flights represent the main means of population dispersal and may be influenced by multiple factors, such as climatic dynamics and the intrinsic structure of colonies. This study aimed to record termite flights within the urban matrix and evaluate their relationship with different levels of urbanization. Sampling was conducted over three consecutive years (2019 to 2022) at 57 locations in João Pessoa (PB), northeastern Brazil. The city contains a significant number of Atlantic Forest remnants within its urban perimeter. Termite alates were sampled during the rainy season using rooftop pools (12–48 m high), water bodies, and active searches in buildings and public squares. A total of 43 termite alate species were exclusively sampled within the urban matrix. In terms of feeding groups, 16 species were wood-feeders, 16 were soil-feeders, seven were wood–soil interface feeders, and four were wood-leaf interface feeders. Alates of all species were sampled in the most urbanized areas of the city (75% to 100% urbanization), and 83.7% of the total species were found exclusively in these areas. Furthermore, among native species, only Nasutitermes corniger is considered a pest. The other species play important ecological roles, such as decomposers or serving as food resources for other organisms, thus contributing to the maintenance of urban biodiversity.

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