Arena nests built by termites in the Masai Mara, Kenya

Abstract

Parts of the Masai Mara area are characterised by oval, flat, bare arenas. These were found to be underlain by nests of the fungus-growing termite Odontotermes fulleri (Isoptera, Termitidae, Macrotermitinae). The structure of the nests and the fungus combs are described and illustrated. Dry weights of the different castes of the termites from a series of nests are reported. Possible functions of the arena are briefly discussed.

East African Journal of Natural History Vol. 96 (1) 2007: pp. 73-81