Eco-biogeography of Arid Zone (Thar Desert) Termites (Insecta: Isoptera)

Abstract

Altogether 41 species are known from the Thar desert, distributed over five families and 14 genera, viz., Family Kalotermitidae: Incisitermes (1 sp.); Family Hodotermltidae: Anacanthotermes (lap.); Family Rhinotermitidae:Psammotermes (1 sp.), Heterotermes (1 sp.), Coptotermes (1 sp.); Family Macrotermitidae: Odontotermes (17 spp.). Microtermes (3 spp.); family Termitidae: Speculitermes (1 sp.), Amitermes (1 sp.), Synhamitermes (1 sp.), Eremotermes (3 spp.), Microcerotermes (8 spp.),Angulitermes (1 sp.), and Trinervitermes (1 sp.). In the light of taxonomic composition. Zoogeography and endemism have been discussed. The termite fauna of Thar desert is overwhelmingly Oriental (40 species), with only a small fraction of Palaearctic origin (1 species). Eight species are endemic to Thar desert, 4 species being confined to Rajasthan portion. 3 species to Gujarat portion whereas 1 species is available in desert areas of both these states.With respect to the ecological factors, such as rainfall, temperature humidity, vegetation and soil types, their relationship with the abundance, distribution and dispersal of termites have been discussed. Their adaptability to varied ecological conditions are discussed.