A preliminary study on the diversity of termites in twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) of Pakistan

Termites are eusocial cellulophagous isopterus insects belonging to phylum Arthopoda, class insecta and order Blattodea. They are a dominant group of invertebrate decomposers that inhabit the arid and semi-arid zone of the world. They exhibit division of labor among the individuals of their colony based on their morphology, physiology and behavior. They feed on dead and decayed wood, woody plants, animal dung, soil, timber and all the cellulosic products. They are involved in ecosystem services like nutrient cycling, enhancement of biodiversity and soil structuring etc. But on the other hand, they damage the wooden furniture, agricultural fields and all other cellulose based products. By keeping in view the ecosystem services and the economic losses rendered by them, the current study was planned to investigate the species diversity of termites in Rawalpindi and Islamabad city. The termite samples were collected from houses, animal dung, soil and trees of the study area with the help of camel hair brush, wooden sticks and X- rays sheets. Identification was done with the help of a key under the supervision of an expert entomologist. From the collected samples of termites, two species Coptotermes heimi (Family Rhinotermitidae) and Odontotermes horai (Family Termitidae) were identified. Data obtained regarding the relative abundance of termites indicated that maximum relative abundance (45.6%) of termites species was recorded during the 4th sampling period (June - August) due to higher humidity. Odontotermes horai (55.07%) was a more abundant termite species than Coptotermes heimi (44.93%). The overall diversity for termite species was 49.49% on Simpson scale while 68.80 % on Shannon diversity index. This study will provide basic knowledge regarding the abundance of termites and different habitats inhabited by termites. It is helpful for the understanding of basic eco-biology of termites. Furthermore, it will help entomologists in designing effective control measures. © 2022 The Author(s)