Some Studies On The Swarming Behaviour Of Imago Caste Of Microcerotermes Championi (Snyder) (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract

Swarming behaviour of M. championi was observed during the swarming season of
1997 and 1998. Swarming took place on 16 nights out of the 92 nights for which observations were
made. Swarming started after second rainfall of the season, which created suitable combination of
relative humidity and temperature required for swarming. Peak emergence of alate was observed after
heavy rainfall (44.0 mm) of short duration at 22.1±°C to 36.5±°C with 80% to 84% relative humidity.
Frequency of swarming was maximum between 8.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Overall sex ratio of M.
championi indicates that females predominate over males 3:1 (F:M).