MEASUREMENT OF TERMITE (ISOPTERA: RHINOTERMITIDAE) FEEDING ON PAPER BY VIDEO IMAGE ANALYSIS

We describe a method of rapidly measuring the area removed by termites feeding on paper disks by microcomputer controlled video image analysis. The utility of this technique is demonstrated in a short-term (15 day) assay in which Reticulitermes hesperus Banks workers fed on filter paper, on rice paper containing a synthetic binder and on rice papers manufactured with natural starch from Lycoris radiata (Amaryllidaceae). Termites fed least on rice paper containing natural starch washed only with hot water during the manufacturing process. Greatest feeding occurred on rice paper containing the synthetic binder. Video image analysis is an efficient means of measuring termite feeding activity and comparing feeding on thin substrates of equivalent density and thickness.