The influence of boric acid on respiratory quotients and methane production of subterranean termites
IRG/WP 95-10136
L Nunes, D J Dickinson
The toxicity of boron compounds to subterranean termites (Reticulitermes lucifugus) was studied by analysing changes in the levels of oxygen uptake respiratory quotients and methane production. Termites were fed with filter paper treated at different levels of boric acid, the RQ was evaluated by constant volume manometry and the methane production by gas chromatography. Results are discussed in relation to termite gut symbiontes.