Testing infrared technique to discriminate indigenous termite

As the most abundant and ubiquitous soil macrofauna, termite fauna is identified using indigenous and scientific criteria. The study objective was to test the infrared technique to discriminate termite species identified by vernacular knowledge. Fresh termites were collected through indigenous harvest process and hereafter termites were identified using morphometric data and their signatures in infrared based carbon and nitrogen content in termite dry biomass. A total of 16 termite species grouped in 7 genera, 3 subfamilies and in 4 feeder groups were morphometrically identified. The mainly genera were Macrotermes , Nitiditermes , Odontotermes and Trinervitermes whereas Macrotermitinae with 4 genera and 8 species were the most frequent and abundant subfamily. Next, Cubitermitinae and Nasutitermitinae were represented by 6 species with an updated genus of Nitiditermes and 2 species. M. bellicosus , M. subhyalinus , O . vulgaris and T. trinervius were discriminated by carbon and nitrogen rate of their dry biomass powder. In conclusion, infrared technique could be used as tool for rapid discriminating vernacular termite species and therefore should be taken into account in studying termite biodiversity management and conservation.