Ecology and Morphology of Stolotermes ruficeps Brauer

Abstract

This thesis covers laboratory and field work extending over three years. It gives an account of the habits and habitat variations of the only dampwood termite endemic to New Zealand. The external characters of the seven nymphal instars are briefly described giving a range of measurements for each instar based on measurements of five representatives of each instar from each of ten different colonies. A more detailed description of the perfect insect or alate and the soldier caste is given. Measurements of alates are based on twenty-five individuals from three colonies and of soldiers on forty individuals from four colonies. Wherever possible, comparisons of the habits and habitats of Stolotermes ruficeps and other dampwood termites have been made.