Colonization by termites (Isoptera) of urban forestry and socio-environmental issues in Porto Velho, Brazil

Abstract

It has been argued that urban forestry might be a potential reservoir of termites for edifications around those infested trees. The aims of this research were to estimate the rate of trees colonized by termites on the avenues of Porto Velho (Brazil) and to identify the tree species most infested. Sampling was performed on trees in central avenue flowerbeds, measuring the Diameter at breast height (DBH) and collecting termites present in trunks, roots and crowns. It was estimated that 4.3% of the trees were infested by termites, a small rate when compared to the results of other studies conducted in Brazil. We identified six species of termites colonizing the urban arborization of Po

Keywords

• Insetos xilófagos. Nasutitermes sp. Microcerotermes sp. Neotermes sp. Termes sp.