Zoogeographical study of Reticulitermes sp. near lucifugus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Family Rhinotermitidae, so-called damp-wood termites, occur in all zoogeographical regions. Of this family, genus Reticulitermes Holmgren is recorded only from Holarctic region. Habitats of Reticulitermes species locate mainly in temperate regions and its range of distribution toward the north is 1000 kilometer higher than the other members of the genus Rhinotermitidae. There are no records of Reticulitermes in Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Arabian Peninsula.
R. clypeatus Lash. and R. lucifugus (Rossi) has been recorded from Iraq and Turkey, Republic of Azerbaijan, respectively. The geographical distribution of Reticulitermes has not yet been studied in Iran. In order to study zoogeography of Reticulitermes sp. near lucifugus populations, different parts of Iran were visited and in these circumstances castes of termite, particularly soldiers were collected. Geographical characterization of sampling sites was identified using GPS. Results suggest that populations of Recticulitermes sp. near lucifugus occupy 3 types of habitats:
I. Temperate microclimates, such as Targh (Natanz), Sansis (Tarom-e olia), Emarat (Doroud), Sefid Koh (Between Khoram abad and Alashtar) and suburbs of Shahr-e-Kord and Lordekan. II. Mediterranean habitats, such as Kaleibar and Khodaafrin region (Northwest of Iran). III. Cold semiarid habitats, such as Zanjan and Baba-Sorkhe (Bijar). Also, results indicate that populations of Reticulitermes sp. near lucifugus in Iran are restricted in 46˚E to 51˚E and 31˚N to 39˚N, and between 1300m and 2600m above sea level.
 
 

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References

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Iranian Journal of Forest and Range Protection Research
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 8
December 2007
Pages 61-70

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 June 2006
  • Revise Date: 08 June 2016
  • Accept Date: 21 January 2007

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