Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education
Vol 12, No 2 (2020): August 2020

Distribution of the Termite Reproductive Castes in Gunungpati, Semarang, Central Java

Niken Subekti (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Saniaturrohmah Saniaturrohmah (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2020

Abstract

Soil termites play a role as  a primary decomposer in natural forests. These types of termites can   be turned into residential pests as more land use to be plantations, housing, and buildings. This study analyzed the distribution of subterranean termites' reproductive caste, its identification, and environmental factors that influence the development of subterranean termites. The research methods used include distribution analysis using UV flying traps, surveys using  GPS, identification of reproductive castes, and environmental factors including  soil  nutrients,  vegetation analysis, temperature, soil moisture, air humidity, and wind speed. The results showed that the distribution of termites is found throughout the Gunungpati Semarang area. The identification of reproductive caste/alates found was Termitidae. Environmental  factors  that  affect the life of termites in the Gunungpati Semarang area December 2019-January 2020 include the temperature of 27.0-28.4 oC, the humidity of 60.2 -61.2 %, air pressure 950.5-975.0 hPa, soil pH 4.84 - 5.60 and soil moisture 29.7-34.0 %. The vegetation was dominated by the Apocynaceae, Sapindaceae, and  Euphorbiaceae. The highest value of diversity and vegetation index sequentially are Sekaran, Patemon, and Ngijo. It is found that the entire Gunungpati area of Semarang is a suitable habitat  for the growth and development of the Termitidae. The finding will help the authoritative institution to consider Gunungpati as a conservation area.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

biosaintifika

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

Description

Biosaintifika Journal of Biology & Biology Education, an electronic international journal, provides a forum for publishing the original research articles, review articles from contributors, and the novel technology news related to biological research and biological ...