Open AccessThe recolonization of the Krakatau islands by termites (Isoptera), and their biogeographical origins
Author(s) -
GATHORNEHARDY F. J.,
JONES D. T.,
MAWDSLEY N. A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
biological journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.906
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1095-8312
pISSN - 0024-4066
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2000.tb01257.x
Subject(s) - biology , transect , ecology , rainforest , termitidae
The termite assemblages of the Krakatau islands and five sites in Sumatra and Java were investigated, using a standardized transect sampling method. Five species were found on the Krakatau islands that have not been collected there before. The total number of termites recorded on the islands since the 1883 volcanic eruption is now twelve species, all of which are wood feeders. No termites nesting in or feeding on the soil were found on the Krakataus, suggesting that rafting in wood is the primary method by which the termites recolonized the islands.