Behavioral Strategies Used by Macrotermes michaelseni foragers to Avoid Ant Predation (lsoptera: Macrotermitinae)

Abstract

Macrotermes michae/seni, a dominant invertebrate herbivore in the semi-arid savanna of Kajiado, Kenya, was studied to establish what measures its foragers adopt to counteract ant predation while insuring adequate collection of food. Termites foraged under cover where possible. They kept foraging groups small. Distances travelled outside permanent structures were short. Finally soldiers functioned to guard foragers and entrances to foraging holes.