Groups of Coptotermes acinaciformis originating from six colonies, three taken from each of two localities 1500 km apart in northern Australia (Townsville, Darwin), were kept at population densities of 0.005, 0.011 and 0.02 g termites/mL. Survival and wood consumption of the groups after 8 weeks followed a similar pattern in the colonies from both collection areas. Groups were least vigorous at the lowest population density; their performance reached a maximum at a population density of 0.011 g/mL. The subsequent decline in vigour as the highest population density was approached was less marked than at the lowest density. However, the actual values for survival and wood consumption varied widely betwesn colonies, irrespective of their origin. It is recommended that in al1 laboratory experiments which use survival and wood consumption as indicators of termite vigour, controls of a favourable as well as an unfavourable food type are included to monitor the vigour of the termites. Results from termite sources whose vigour falls below a certain threshold value would have to be treated with caution and could not be used in definitive data, as for example the defining of critical retentions of wood preservatives.

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