Abstract In order to establish the incidence and distribution of termite populations on native grassland (Paspalum notatum L.) production, cattle farms and their surroundings were examined in Itacurubi del Rosario, department of San Pedro, Paraguay; using the GPS nest location method (Garmin Map 76 CSx), drones, capture of aerial photographs and then the evaluation of the incidence and distribution of termite nests per hectare. Maps of incidence and distribution of nests were made for a surface of seven hectares. From the data generated, a map with the distribution of active termite nests was prepared using the QGIS software version 3.18. The formation of termite mounds represented an average area of 12 m² and an intensity of 13.5% per hectare, distributed in an average of 96.2 nests per hectare, totaling some 8,085 termite nests within the study area for a total area of 7 ha. Examples of species were represented by the family: Termitidae (Cornitermes cumulans, Nasutitermes nigriceps and Termes sp.) of wide distribution in the study area. The presence of termite mounds negatively affects the useful productive area due to the occupied area and a significant loss of pasture per day to feed the animals in each season of the year.

Resumen Con el fin de evaluar la incidencia y distribución de las poblaciones de termitas sobre la producción del pastizal nativo (Paspalum notatumL.), se muestrearon fincas ganaderas y su entorno en Itacurubi del Rosario - Departamento de San Pedro - Paraguay. Los termiteros fueron localizados utilizando un GPS de la marca Garmin Map 76 CSx y drones equipados con cámaras fotográficas para las capturas de fotografías aéreas. Se realizaron mapas de incidencia y distribución de termiteros para la superficie de uno y 7,4 hectáreas. A partir de los datos generados, se elaboró un mapa con la distribución de los termiteros activos mediante el software QGIS versión 3.18. La formación de los termiteros representó una superficie promedio de 12 m² en promedio y una intensidad de 13,5% por hectárea, distribuidos en un promedio de 96,2 nidos por hectárea, totalizando unos 711,88 termiteros dentro del área de estudio para una superficie total de 7,4 ha. La familia Termitidae estuvo representadas por las siguientes especies: (Cornitermes cumulans,Nasutitermes nigricepsyTermessp.) de amplia distribución en el área de estudio. La cantidad de termiteros encontrados afecta la superficie útil productiva del pastizal, así como a la disponibilidad de pastos para la alimentación animal en las distintas épocas del año.

Resumo Os cupins do gênero Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae), que se alimentam de celulose, podem tornar a madeira quebradiça e frágil. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a resistência natural de três espécies nativas de madeira: Magonia pubescens (Sapindaceae), Dalbergia nigra e Machaerium amplum (Fabaceae) ao ataque de cupins Nasutitermes sp. e investigar a relação entre resistência, teor de extrativos e densidade anidra. Amostras de cada espécie de madeira foram submetidas a um processo de alimentação forçada com cupins Nasutitermes sp. por 30 dias. Após a exposição, a densidade anidra, teor de extrativos, porcentagem de perda de massa e mortalidade de cupins foram determinados para cada amostra. Dalbergia nigra apresentou resistência ao ataque de cupins e teve o maior teor de extrativos, com 13,14%. Por outro lado, M. amplum teve a maior perda de massa, com 5,37%, e o menor teor de extrativos, com 1,94%. Ambas as espécies mostraram uma correlação negativa entre perda de massa e teor de extrativos, mas nenhuma correlação com a densidade da madeira. Magonia pubescens teve a maior densidade, com 0,90 g/cm3. Machaerium amplum e M. pubescens causaram 100% de mortalidade de cupins, enquanto D. nigra causou 40% de mortalidade. sp Blattodea (Blattodea Termitidae, Termitidae , Termitidae) celulose frágil Sapindaceae, Sapindaceae (Sapindaceae) Fabaceae (Fabaceae anidra 3 dias exposição amostra 1314 13 14 13,14% lado M 537 5 37 5,37% 194 1 94 1,94% 090 0 90 0,9 gcm3 gcm g cm3 cm g/cm3 100 D 40 (Sapindaceae 131 13,14 53 5,37 19 9 1,94 09 0, g/cm 10 4 13,1 5,3 1,9 13, 5, 1,

Abstract Termites of the genus Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae), which feed on cellulose, may cause wood to become brittle and fragile. This study aimed to evaluate the natural resistance of three native wood species: Magonia pubescens (Sapindaceae), Dalbergia nigra and Machaerium amplum (Fabaceae) to attack by Nasutitermes sp. termites and to investigate the relationship between resistance, extractive content, and oven-dry density. Samples of each wood species were subjected to a forced feeding process with Nasutitermes sp. termites for 30 days. Following the exposure, the oven-dry density, extractive content, percentage of wood loss, and termite mortality were determined for each sample. Dalbergia nigra exhibited resistance to termite attack and had the highest extractive content at 13.14%. Conversely, M. amplum had the highest wood loss at 5.37% and the lowest extractive content at 1.94%. Both species showed a negative correlation between wood loss and extractive content, but no correlation with wood density. Magonia pubescens had the highest density at 0.90 g/cm3. Macherium amplum and M. pubescens caused 100% termite mortality, while D. nigra caused 40% mortality. sp Blattodea (Blattodea Termitidae, Termitidae , Termitidae) cellulose fragile Sapindaceae, Sapindaceae (Sapindaceae) Fabaceae (Fabaceae ovendry oven dry 3 days exposure sample 1314 13 14 13.14% Conversely M 537 5 37 5.37 194 1 94 1.94% 090 0 90 0.9 gcm3 gcm g cm3 cm g/cm3 100 D 40 (Sapindaceae 131 13.14 53 5.3 19 9 1.94 09 0. g/cm 10 4 13.1 5. 1.9 13. 1.

ABSTRACT Soldierless termites (Blattodea: Isoptera: Apicotermitinae) are a small and taxonomically poorly known group, especially in the Neotropical region. In this paper we describe a new monotypic genus Caputitermes gen. nov. with a straight mesenteron-P1 junction, and absence of mixed segment. The species Caputitermes dimorphus sp. nov., which stands out for having two types of workers. Blattodea (Blattodea Isoptera Apicotermitinae group region gen nov mesenteronP1 mesenteronP mesenteron P1 P mesenteron-P junction segment sp workers

RESUMO Os cupins sem soldados (Blattodea: Isoptera: Apicotermitinae) são um grupo pequeno e taxonomicamente pouco conhecido, principalmente na região neotropical. Neste artigo descrevemos um novo gênero monotípico Caputitermes gen. nov., que possui a junção mesênetero-P1 reta e ausência de segmento misto. A espécie Caputitermes dimorphus sp. nov., se destaca por ter dois tipos de operários. Blattodea (Blattodea Isoptera Apicotermitinae conhecido neotropical gen nov nov. mesêneteroP1 mesêneteroP mesênetero P1 P mesênetero-P misto sp operários

ABSTRACT: Pest insects are one of the major factors affecting the productivity of sugarcane, and especially those associated with the soil, which damage the crop if not controlled. There is little information on the insect associated with the soil in the sugarcane crop in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This study evaluated the occurrence, abundance and population variation of soil-associated insects in sugarcane crops in four counties in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul during a period from September 2009 to August 2010. For the capture of insects, deep in the soil trenches were (50 x 50 x 30 width x length x depth). It was observed that county of Maracaju has a high incidence of soil insects in sugarcane crop. Specimens of the family Scarabaeidae are abundant in sugarcane fields of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, being Liogenys suturalis the predominant species. Soil insects of the Chrysomelidae family were found with greater abundance in Dourados and Naviraí while Noctuidae, represented only by the Hyponeuma taltula, occurred mainly in Dourados. Insects of the family Termitidae occur in sugarcane fields in the counties of Maracaju and Naviraí but not in Nova Alvorada do Sul and Dourados. Sphenophorus levis and Metamasius hemipterus were alsoreported in the sugarcane fields from Maracaju, being the occurrence these species the first record in the Mato Grosso do Sul State. The determined occurrence of different soil insects in the sugarcane fields may help in their management in the four counties studied. ABSTRACT controlled Brazil soilassociated 200 2010 (5 5 3 depth. depth . depth) Noctuidae taltula State studied 20 201 ( 2

RESUMO: Os insetos-praga são um dos principais fatores que afetam a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar e, principalmente, aqueles associados ao solo, que prejudicam a cultura se não forem controlados. Existem poucas informações sobre a fauna de insetos associada ao solo na cultura da cana-de-açúcar no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência, abundância e variação populacional de insetos associados ao solo em lavouras de cana-de-açúcar em quatro municípios do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul durante o período de setembro de 2009 a agosto de 2010. Para a captura de insetos, foram feitas trincheiras (50 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm - largura x comprimento x profundidade) no solo. Observou-se que o município de Maracaju apresenta alta incidência de insetos de solo na cultura da cana-de-açúcar. Exemplares da família Scarabaeidae são abundantes nos canaviais do MS, sendo Liogenys suturalis a espécie predominante. Insetos de solo da família Chrysomelidae foram encontrados com maior abundância em Dourados e Naviraí enquanto Noctuidae, representado apenas por Hyponeuma taltula, ocorreu principalmente em Dourados. Insetos da família Termitidae ocorrem em canaviais nos municípios de Maracaju e Naviraí, mas não em Nova Alvorada do Sul e Dourados. Sphenophorus levis e Metamasius hemipterus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) também foram encontrados nos canaviais de Maracaju, sendo a ocorrência dessas espécies o primeiro registro no MS. A ocorrência determinada de diferentes insetos de solo nos canaviais auxiliará o manejo nos quatro municípios estudados. RESUMO insetospraga praga canadeaçúcar cana açúcar controlados MS , (MS) Brasil 200 2010 (5 5 3 profundidade Observouse Observou canadeaçúcar. açúcar. predominante Noctuidae taltula Coleoptera (Coleoptera Curculionidae estudados (MS 20 201 ( 2

Abstract An illustrated identification key to the North American termite families and genera based mainly on the soldier caste is proposed. A checklist of termites (Insecta: Blattodea: Isoptera) of Canada, continental USA and Mexico is presented, listing 89 species (and two subspecies) grouped in 26 genera and four families. Five species are added to the Mexican termite fauna, these records are for the states of Campeche: Cryptotermes cavifrons; Quintana Roo: Cryptotermes cavifrons, Neotermes holmgreni, Neotermes phragmosus, Neotermes mona; Sonora: Incisitermes banksi; and Yucatan: Neotermes phragmosus. Other 32 new state records are made for the states of Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sonora, and Yucatan. The species Coptotermes crassus, Coptotermes havilandi, Incisitermes perparvus, Microcerotermes strunckii, Nasutitermes costalis, Incisitermes nigritus and Termes melindae are eliminated from the termite fauna of this region.

Resumen Se propone una clave de identificación para las familias y géneros de termitas norteamericanas basadas principalmente en la casta soldado. Se presenta un listado de termitas (Insecta: Blattodea: Isoptera) de Canadá, EE. UU. continental, y México, enlistando 89 especies (y dos subespecies) agrupadas en 26 géneros y cuatro familias. Cinco especies son añadidas a la termitofauna mexicana, estos registros son para los estados de Campeche: Cryptotermes cavifrons; Quintana Roo: Cryptotermes cavifrons, Neotermes holmgreni, Neotermes phragmosus, Neotermes mona; Sonora: Incisitermes banksi; y Yucatán: Neotermes phragmosus. Se hacen otros 32 nuevos registros estatales para los estados de Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sonora, y Yucatán. Las especies Coptotermes crassus, Coptotermes havilandi, Incisitermes perparvus, Microcerotermes strunckii, Nasutitermes costalis, Incisitermes nigritus, y Termes melindae son eliminadas de la termitofauna de esta región.

Abstract Objective To characterize the trophic composition of soil macrofauna in two animal husbandry systems in four municipalities located in the Dry Corridor of Nicaragua. Materials and Methods The study area comprised the municipalities Rivas, Belén, La Conquista and Diriamba, all located in the Dry Corridor of Nicaragua. In each municipality four farms were evaluated: two with conventional animal husbandry systems and two with silvopastoral systems. Rivas and Belén, where there was only one farm of each system, were excepted. The study lasted eight months and the sample collection of the edaphic macofauna was carried out every 60 days. The collected specimens were identified to the taxonomic category of families. The biological activity was determined through the grouping into the categories soil engineers, predators, herbivores and detritivores. Results The family composition was different between systems, with higher richness in the silvopastoral system, where six classes, 15 orders and 33 families were found. A total of 11 593 macrofauna individuals were recorded in the silvopastoral system, higher value than the conventional one, where 3 062 were found. The difference between systems was marked by the number of individuals found in the Formicidae and Termitidae families (4 150 and 2 126 individuals/m2, respectively), which represented 54 % of the total individuals present in the silvopastoral systems. Conclusions The highest family richness and quantity of individuals were obtained in the silvopastoral system, which proves its importance in animal husbandry exploitations.

Resumen Objetivo Caracterizar la composición trófica de la macrofauna del suelo en dos sistemas ganaderos en cuatro municipios localizados en el Corredor Seco de Nicaragua. Materiales y Métodos El área de estudio comprendió a los municipios de Rivas, Belén, La Conquista y Diriamba, todos ubicados en el Corredor Seco de Nicaragua. En cada municipio se evaluaron cuatro fincas: dos con sistemas ganaderos convencionales y dos con sistemas silvopastoriles. Se exceptuaron Rivas y Belén, donde solo hubo una finca de cada sistema. El estudio duró ocho meses y la recolección de muestras de la macrofauna edáfica se realizaron cada 60 días. Los especímenes recolectados se identificaron hasta la categoría taxonómica de familias. La actividad biológica se determinó mediante la agrupación en ingenieros del suelo, depredadores, herbívoros y detritívoros. Resultados La composición de familias fue diferente entre sistemas, con mayor riqueza en el silvopastoril, donde se encontraron seis clases, 15 órdenes y 33 familias. Se registraron 11 593 individuos de la macrofauna en el sistema silvopastoril, valor superior al convencional, donde se hallaron 3 062. La diferencia entre sistemas estuvo marcada por el número de individuos encontrados en las familias Formicidae y Termitidae (4 150 y 2 126 individuos/m2, respectivamente), las que representaron 54 % del total de individuos presentes en el sistema silvopastoril. Conclusiones La mayor riqueza de familias y cantidad de individuos se obtuvo en el sistema silvopastoril, lo cual evidencia la importancia de este en las explotaciones ganaderas.

Resumen La mayoría de las termitas plagas de área urbana en Brasil son especies exóticas, pero algunas especies nativas también están comenzando a representar un problema creciente. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar las especies de termitas que infestan árboles y casas en la ciudad de Campos dos Goytacazes, en el norte del estado de Río de Janeiro. Los árboles de calles de dieciséis vecindarios fueron inspeccionados y los ataques por termitas fueron registrados. También se realizaron entrevistas con propietarios de residencias de los mismos vecindarios y sus domicilios fueron inspeccionados para verificar la ocurrencia de ataque de termitas. Las termitas fueron registradas en 17 % de los 1.307 árboles inspeccionados. La especie más frecuente fue Coptotermes gestroi (51 % de los árboles infestados), Nasutitermes corniger y Microcerotermes strunckii fueron especies de ocurrencia intermedia (38 % y 14 %, respectivamente) y Microcerotermes arboreus (1 %) fue la menos común. Las infestaciones de árboles por más de una especie ocurrieron en 14 % de los casos (n = 31). Las infestaciones de termitas también se presentaron en 26 % de las residencias inspeccionadas (n = 1.020). Las cuatro especies que causaron daños en domicilios fueron Cryptotermes brevis, C. gestroi, N. corniger y M. strunckii. La especie más común, encontrada en 133 residencias, fue C. brevis (51 %). C. gestroi y N. corniger pueden ser consideradas especies secundarias en términos de la presencia en las residencias pero fueron responsables por más daños estructurales que C. brevis que atacó principalmente el mobiliario.

Abstract Most pest termites in urban areas in Brazil are exotic species, but native species are becoming an increasing problem. This study aimed to identify termite species infesting trees and houses in urban areas of Campos dos Goytacazes, in the north of Rio de Janeiro State. Trees in the streets of sixteen neighborhoods were inspected for termites. Inspections and interviews were also conducted to verify the occurrence of termites in houses. Termites were recorded in 17 % of the 1,307 trees surveyed. Coptotermes gestroi was the most frequent species (51 % of infested trees), Nasutitermes corniger and Microcerotermes strunckii were present in 38 % and 14 % of infested trees, respectively, and Microcerotermes arboreus was the least common (1 %). Different termite species coexisted in 14 % of the infested trees (n = 31). Termite infestations were recorded in 26 % of the surveyed households (n = 1,020). Four species were identified as causing damage: Cryptotermes brevis, C. gestroi, N. corniger, and M. strunckii. The most common species was C. brevis, affecting 133 residences (51 %). C. gestroi and N. corniger were less frequent, but they were responsible for more structural damage than C. brevis, which mainly attacked furniture.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the forest restoration of the basin of Guapiaçu river in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro state, using the families of Termites as tools for environmental assessment. We analyzed the population fluctuation and feeding guilds of the families of Termites: Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae. Six sampling points were arranged along Guapiaçu river, five points being inferred in reforestation carried out in the basin and a point in a regeneration control area. Quantitative and qualitative surveys followed standard protocols and the samples were obtained directly, without baits. Thirty species within 25 genera were identified and the family Termitidae was the most frequent. The termite fauna of the control point P06 was the richest. From the frequencies of occurrence of the species related to their trophic guild, an ecological evaluation table of the environments was proposed. The P05 area, rich in plant species, presented the greatest similarity to the natural regeneration area P06. The majority of the species was classified as xilophagous.

The protection of biodiversity is critical to ecosystem function and is a primary management goal for conservation areas globally. Maintaining a current inventory of known diversity is a central component of achieving this goal and serves as an essential starting point for future research endeavours. Since the first published survey of termites in South Africa's Kruger National Park (KNP) over 55 years ago, our understanding of termite diversity has expanded sufficiently to merit an update and formal checklist. Here we revise the inventory of termite diversity in KNP and summarise the taxonomic and functional diversity of termites in the park. A thorough review of recent termite research in KNP added 6 new genera and 13 species to what was found in Coaton's original survey, with one genus, Anenteotermes, recorded for the first time in southern Africa. Based on the updated species checklist, the majority of genera in the park belong to Feeding Group II (39%) and the Termitidae family (75%). CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: In savannas, termites play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, water redistribution and plant dynamics. Systematically cataloguing termite diversity and assemblage composition in the park provides an essential baseline for scientific research, aids biodiversity conservation efforts and encourages scientists and managers to consider termites in ecosystem functioning and management. Having more detailed descriptions of genera, species and feeding groups allows for more tangible, ecologically relevant attributions of termite influence, facilitates enhanced inquiry and allows for more realistic quantification of termite roles in key ecosystem processes.

Resumen Se estimó la composición de termitas asociada a plantaciones de Pinus caribaea de diferentes edades, establecidas en terrenos previamente ocupados por sabana seminatural y pastos artificiales, en la meseta de San Pedro en la Orinoquía colombiana (Villanueva, Casanare). Utilizando el protocolo del transecto, se muestrearon cuatro edades de plantación y áreas con pastos artificiales y sabana seminatural en dos épocas climáticas: húmeda 2013 y 2014 (marzo - abril) y seca de 2013 (noviembre - diciembre). La termitofauna encontrada estuvo compuesta de 28 especies pertenecientes a las familias Termitidae (Apicotermitinae, Nasutitermitinae, Termitinae, Syntermitinae) y Rhinotermitidae. Las plantaciones de siete años con poda y sin entresaca fueron las más diversas y la sabana seminatural alcanzó un mayor número de especies con respecto a los pastos introducidos, sin variaciones importantes en época de muestreo. La especie humívora Anoplotermes sp. 1 y la xilófaga Heterotermes tenuis fueron las más frecuentes en todas las edades de plantación, mientras en los otros usos del suelo el grupo más frecuente fue el humívoro con predominancia de Anoplotermes spp. Gracias al mejoramiento del microclima y al aumento de la disponibilidad de recursos alimenticios en plantaciones de pino de edades avanzadas, la diversidad y abundancia de termitas en este monocultivo es significativamente mayor que en pastos o sabanas, lo que sugiere que las termitas están interactuando con la dinámica natural de las plantaciones al contribuir en la descomposición del material celulósico y el mejoramiento de la fertilidad de los suelos.

Abstract Termite abundance and diversity on Pinus caribaea stands established on lands previously occupied by a seminatural savanna and artificial grass were examined. Sampling was done during the transition from the dry to the rainy season in 2013 and 2014 (March - April) and the rainy to the dry season in 2013 (November - December) in plantations established in the Colombian Orinoco basin region, commonly known as “Mesa de San Pedro” (Villanueva, Casanare). Using the transect protocol, stands of Pinus caribaea of four different ages, and areas with introduced grass and seminatural savanna were sampled. Termite fauna was composed of twenty eight morphospecies belonging to the Termitidae (Apicotermitinae, Nasutitermitinae, Termitinae, Syntermitinae) and Rhinotermitidae (Heterotermitinae and Rhinotermitinae) families. Seven year-old pine stands without pruning or thinning had the most diversity, while natural savanna had a greater number of species than introduced grasses. No significant differences were observed between sampling seasons. The humivorous species Anoplotermes sp. 1 and the xylophagous Heterotermes tenuis were the most common in pine stands, while several species belonging to the humivorous genus Anoplotermes spp. predominated in pastures and savanna vegetation. Changes in the microclimate and increased availability of food resources in older pine stands may explain the higher diversity and abundance of termites in this monoculture as compared to pastures or savanna vegetation, suggesting that termites are interacting with the natural dynamics of plantations by contributing to the decomposition of cellulosic material and the improvement of soil fertility.

In order to determine the diversity and functionality of soil macrofauna as biological indicator of soil health and the effect of management practices in productive systems of Moringa oleifera Lam., a study was conducted in areas of the National Agricultural University, Nicaragua. The essays lasted nine months, in which agroecological management and conventional management practices were implemented. The soil macrofauna was sampled through the methodology developed by the International Tropical Soil Fertility and Biology Program. Taxonomic identification at phylum, class, order and family level was performed, as well as of functional groups: detritivores, soil engineers, herbivores and predators. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to determine statistical differences in the variation of density per taxon and functional group per management system. The density of individuals was statistically different (p < 0,05) between management systems at class, order and family level. Diversity was higher in agroecological conversion, and a higher equitability of families stood out. The functional groups were different between systems, with dominance of soil engineers (64,22 %) in agroecological conversion, and of detritivores (74,19 %) in conventional management. Association was found of the management practices with the density and diversity of the soil macrofauna; and the organisms Formicidae, Termitidae and Coleoptera, which interacted with M. oleifera in different development stages, were identified. The number of taxonomic units constituted an indicator that allowed to distinguish between the management systems, soil health and transformation dynamics of the chemical, physical and biological properties of each system.

Con el objetivo de determinar la diversidad y funcionalidad de la macrofauna edáfica como indicador biológico de la salud del suelo y el efecto de prácticas de manejo en sistemas productivos de Moringa oleifera Lam., se llevó a cabo un estudio en predios de la Universidad Nacional Agraria, Nicaragua. Los ensayos tuvieron una duración de nueve meses, en los que se implementaron prácticas de manejo agroecológico y manejo convencional. La macrofauna edáfica fue muestreada mediante la metodología desarrollada por el Programa Internacional Biología y Fertilidad del Suelo Tropical. Se realizó identificación taxonómica a nivel de phylum, clase, orden y familia; así como de grupos funcionales: detritívoros, ingenieros del suelo, herbívoros y depredadores. La prueba no paramétrica Kruskal-Wallis se aplicó para determinar diferencias estadísticas en la variación de la densidad por taxón y grupo funcional por sistema de manejo. La densidad de individuos resultó estadísticamente diferente (p < 0,05) entre sistemas de manejo a nivel de clase, orden y familia. La diversidad fue mayor en conversión agroecológica, y se destacó una mayor equitatividad de familias. Los grupos funcionales fueron diferentes entre sistemas, con dominancia de los ingenieros del suelo (64,22 %) en conversión agroecológica, y de los detritívoros (74,19 %) en manejo convencional. Hubo una asociación entre las prácticas de manejo con la densidad y la diversidad de la macrofauna del suelo; y se identificaron los organismos Formicidae y Termitidae y del Coleoptera, que interactuaron con M. oleifera en diferentes estados de desarrollo. El número de unidades taxonómicas constituyó un indicador que permitió distinguir entre los sistemas de manejo, la salud del suelo y la dinámica de transformación de las propiedades químicas, físicas y biológicas de cada sistema.

En esta contribución se da a conocer el primer registro de termiteros fósiles para la región Mesopotámica de Argentina, y su disposición espacial, al tiempo que se discuten sus afinidades taxonómicas e implicancias paleoambientales. Las estructuras fósiles pertenecen a nidificaciones de insectos sociales atribuibles a miembros de la Familia Termitidae, y se ubican en la zona de contacto entre la base de la Fm. Toropí/Yupoí (Pleistoceno tardío) y el tope de la Fm. Ituzaingó (Mioceno tardío-Plioceno). Se las identifica en los alrededores del Arroyo Toropí (28°36' S y 59°02' W), Departamento Bella Vista, provincia de Corrientes. El estudio de las nidificaciones y su disposición espacial se realizó en cinco campos de termiteros mediante su relevamiento y descripción morfológica. La morfología de las estructuras estudiadas coincide claramente con la de los nidos de termitas, en donde resulta característica una fuerte muralla externa. La caracterización de campo, yacencia, desarrollo, frecuencia, tamaños e interrelaciones de los termiteros fósiles y actuales sugieren una estrecha similitud con montículos del género Cornitermes. La morfología presente muestra también cierta semejanza con Tacuruichnus farinai, descripta para el Piso/Edad Marplatense (Plioceno) de la región Pampeana. Por otro lado, el análisis fitolítico indicó que las cantidades y las morfologías fitolíticas son semejantes tanto en los termiteros actuales como en los fósiles. Desde un punto de vista paleoambiental, la abundancia de estos termiteros en el contacto entre las mencionadas unidades indicaría la existencia de suelos bien desarrollados, con abundante vegetación graminosa y condiciones húmedas y cálidas con estacionalidad marcada.

In this contribution we show the first termite nests fossil record presence from the Mesopotamian region of Argentina and its spatial distribution. At the same time taxonomic affinities and paleoenvironmental implications are discussed. The discovery takes place in the contact area between the base of the Toropí / Yupoí formations (late Pleistocene) and the top of the Ituzaingó Fm. (late Miocene-Pliocene), around the Toropí stream (28°36' S y 59°02' W), Bella Vista Department, Corrientes province. These fossil structures belong to nestings of social insects, such as the termite nests type. They could be attributable to representatives of the Termitidae Family. The study of nestings and their spatial arrangement was carried out on five termite nest fields, by surveying and detailed morphological description thereof. The morphology of the studied structures clearly matches with termite nests, with a typical strong outer wall. Characterization of field development, frequency, size and relationships of extant and fossil termite nests suggest a close similarity with mounds of the Cornitermes genus. Furthermore the morphology of these fossil termite nests also shows some resemblance to Tacuruichnus farinai, described for the Marplatanse Stage (Pliocene) of the Pampean region. From a paleoenvironmental point of view, the abundance of these termite nests in the contact between these units indicates the existence of well developed soils with abundant grassy vegetation and humid warm conditions with marked seasonality.

The chemical composition of the front gland of termites has been studied for over 40 years. The genus Nasutitermes, considered the most evolved of the Termitidae family, has a peculiarity that sets it apart from the others: a caste of soldiers that carry a terpenic mixture used in defense. This secretion is formed by mono, sesqui and diterpenes from trinervitane, kempane and rippertane skeletons, only found in termites. This article sought to review the scientific literature and contribute to the knowledge on the chemical composition of the secretion of the Nasutitermes soldiers from the interesting aspects of its behavior.

Con el objetivo de establecer la incidencia y distribución de termitas en cuatro tipos de cultivos de cítricos de la costa Caribe de Colombia, se muestrearon 64 huertos de cinco departamentos (Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba y Magdalena). Se utilizó el método de búsqueda exhaustiva en nidos y galerías de termitas en el árbol del cítrico y sus alrededores. Se realizaron mapas de distribución y mediante análisis de varianza se comparó la incidencia de termitas entre especies de cítricos, categorías de edad del cultivo y entre zonas de muestreo (departamento y municipio). Para las mencionadas comparaciones no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En total, se revisaron 1975 árboles de los cuales 899 presentaron termitas; el 64% correspondió a los huertos de naranja, el 27,30% a limón pajarito y el 8,70% restante a los cultivos de limón tahití y pomelo. En las muestras se encontraron representadas dos familias: Termitidae (57%) con diez géneros (Anoplotermes, Amitermes, Cortaritermes, Microcerotermes, Nasutitermes, Neocapritermes, Orthognathotermes, Ruptitermes, Rhynchotermes y Termes) y Rhinotermitidae (43%) con dos géneros (Coptotermes y Heterotermes). Se identificaron 17 especies y se destacan por su abundancia y amplia distribución en el área de estudio Microcerotermes cf. arboreus (59%), Heterotermes convexinotatus (38,50%) y H. tenuis (27,50%). La presencia de M. cf. arboreus, H. convexinotatus, H. tenuis, Coptotermes testaceus, C. crassus y Amitermes foreli constituyen los hallazgos más importantes del trabajo, ya que se reportan como especies de importancia forestal en Colombia, por lo que se recomienda continuar más estudios en cultivos de cítricos.

In order to establish the incidence and distribution of four types of termites in citrus crops of the Caribbean coast of Colombia, were sampled 64 crops distributed in 61 farms in five departments (Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, and Magdalena). We used the exhaustive method of search termite nests and galleries in the citrus tree and its surroundings. Distribution maps were made with the occurrence of termites and with the ANOVA to compare the occurrence of termites among citrus species, age categories of the crop and between sampling areas (department and municipality). For the above comparisons statistically significant differences were not found. In total, 1975 trees were reviewed from which 899 had termites, 64% came from the crops of orange, 27.30% from common lemon tree and the remaining 8.70% from tahiti lemon crop and grapefruit. The samples were represented two families: Termitidae (57%) with ten genera (Anoplotermes, Amitermes, Cortaritermes, Microcerotermes, Nasutitermes, Neocapritermes, Orthognathotermes, Ruptitermes, Rhynchotermes and Termes) and Rhinotermitidae (43%) with two genera (Coptotermes and Heterotermes). 17 species were important for their abundance and wide distribution in the study area: Microcerotermes cf. arboreus (59%), Heterotermes convexinotatus (38.50%) and H. tenuis (27.50%). The presence of M. cf. arboreus, H. convexinotatus, H. tenuis, Coptotermes testaceus, C. crassus and Amitermes foreli are the most important findings of this work, because these termites are reported as important species for the Colombian forested, so it is recommended to do further research.