Abstract:

There are complicated interactions among termites, clay, and ecological environment.Many studies have focused on the impact of higher termites on clay distribution and their ecological role in recent decades.The clay mineralogy is a restriction factor for determining the geographical distribution of some higher termites in the family of Termitidae.Meanwhile, termite activities can change the distribution of clay particles and accelerate the weathering process of clay minerals.Some higher termites transport large amounts of clay from the deep layer of soil to the surface for constructing termite hills or mounds.Clay not only improves the structural robustness of the hill but also creates suitable microhabitats with moisture and near-constant temperature conditions that ensure the growth of termite symbiotic fungi.In addition, the clay relocated by termites can be washed into surrounding soil by rain and promote the circulation of soil particles, significantly improving soil fertility and water retention and thus creating a favorable environment for the growth of vegetation and the development of animal communities.In arid or semiarid areas in tropical regions, the termite mounds rich in clay can improve heterogeneity of ecosystems and drought resistance, thus helping ecosystems to confront the challenge of global climate changes.In some developing countries, the clay collected from termite hills can be used as construction materials and cultivation substrates.Also, high proportions of women (especially pregnant women) in rural areas of Africa widely eat the clay-enrich soil collected from termite mounds.Some latest studies have also showed interactions of clay and lower termites in the family of Rhinotermitidae.Some lower termites usually transport large amounts of clay to construct mud tubes or sheetings, or use clay to fill the voids of food.Clay induces feeding activities of these lower termites by moistening wood fibers as well as providing structural supports.In addition, some clay minerals trigger the aggregation behaviors of subterranean termite pests and can be used as bait attractants, providing new ideas for the control of harmful termites.

Key words: clay, termite, ecological environment, termite mound, biodiversity, water-retention property, termite control