Abstract:

By the observation for the foraging behavior of Odontotermes formosanus, the food choice of this termite was studied.The results showed that in the six diets, the consumption rate, mud sheet area and mud sheet covering rate of the millet powder were maximal. The mud sheet appearing time of the millet powder was only longer than that of the pine powder, but difference between the two diets was not significant. Among the five additives, except for 15% Auricularia auricula, 15% Lentinula edodes, 10% masson pine pollen, 10% powdered sugar and 15% honey could observably improve the phagostimulating effect of the millet powder on O. formosanus, and the synergistic effect of 10% powdered sugar was the most distinct in them. The results of the field trial showed that the phagostimulating effect of the baits made of the millet powder+10% powdered sugar on O. formosanus was better than that of the baits made of the millet powder. To sum up, the millet powder+10% white sugar was the best diet component, and it can be the diet ingredient of the poison bait against O. formosanus .

Key words: Odontotermes formosanus, food choice, diet, additive, phagostimulating effect