Flight characteristics of Mastotermes darwiniensis (Isoptera, Mastotermitidae)

Summary.

Flight patterns of Mastotermes darwiniensis in northern Australia were monitored using a light trap during the summer monsoons of 1975 and 1996. A major flight was detected in both years, with flights of smaller magnitude also occurring. Results indicate that flight behaviour is more closely correlated with ecology and life type than with phylogenetic position. Overall, sex ratios were slightly but significantly biased in favor of males. Head capsule widths of males and females did not differ, but the wet and dry weights of females significantly exceeded those of males. In both sexes, the hindgut comprised 2.9 % of the wet weight, and whole body dry weight was 44 % of wet weight.