The role of fungi in the diet of the common damp-wood termite, Zootermopsis angusticollis

Abstract does not appear. First page follows.

Introduction

Zootermopsis angusticollis (Hagen), the common damp-wood termite, is associated in nature with an abundant and varied fungus flora (Hendee, 1933). Usually the wood which encloses burrows made by termites of this species shows evidence of rot produced by wood-destroying fungi. Although occasionally the termites may enter apparently sound wood, fungus spores and hyphae, which cling to their bodies and are thus carried into the new burrows, soon give rise to fungus mycelium which invades the walls of the burrows. Are these fungi of any benefit to the termites? (Cleveland (1924)) reports that termites from which the protozoan fauna of the gut has been removed, although unable to digest sound wood, are able to flourish on fungus-digested wood. Cook and Scott (1933) found that microörganisms apparently afford a beneficial supplement to a diet of filter paper or cotton, which is shown to be in itself inadequate for the nutrition of the termites. It therefore becomes of interest to inquire whether normally faunated termites living on their natural diet of wood likewise benefit from the presence of fungi in their food. (Roessler (1932)) reports a higher rate of growth for termites fed on sound, sterile wood than for those fed on decayed wood. She remarks, however, that an excessive growth of fungi on the decayed wood caused the deaths of many termites. This renders the results of that particular experiment of doubtful significance. The need for further consideration of this problem is therefore evident.