| Harvester
termites |
Namibian
crop pests # 100
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This is mainly a photo page about harvester termites
from Bambaranut plots at Mahenene Research Station, Omusati region.
Photos from 6 March 2001 (an unusually late season).
We call this species "harvester termite" until it has been properly
identified. The termite makes 5-10 cm mounds or just emerges from a hole
on flat ground.
A second species is shown on a separate page as "Termite
2". That species makes small mounds directly around the plant itself,
on for instance Pearl millet seedlings.
Termite hill near bambaranut plant
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Close-up of termite hill
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Bambaranut leaves cut by termites, petioles were carried away
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petioles at a termite entrance
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petioles at a termite entrance
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Common names:
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No vernacular names were recorded
but termites are so common that they do have vernacular names. |
Pest status:
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Termites may cause serious damage
in a large number of crops.
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Distribution:
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Widespread and common |
Description:
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In Bambaranut crops, termites usually
cut off the leaf petiole close to the ground level. They cut off the 3
leaves as well and carry the "stick" back to the entrance of the termite
hill where it is lowered down into the nest.
The symptoms of an attack are the
many drying leaves lying in clusters under bambaranut plants and the piles
of petioles waiting to be lowered down into the termite nests. |
Control:
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No control is recommended at present |
Other notes:
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