MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF Coptotermes curvignathus IN AN OIL PALM PEAT PLANTATION
Abstract
Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren is a major subterranean termite pest in Southeast Asia oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations on peat soils, yet little is known about its morphological variation across different field populations. This study assessed 400 soldier termites from four sites in a peat-based oil palm plantation in Sarawak, Malaysia. Using detailed morphometric measurements including head width at mandible base, maximum head width, left mandible length, and head length, we explored inter-site differences using MANOVA, ANOVA, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Significant variation was found in head width, maximum head width, and head length, across sites (P<0.05), while mandible length remained consistent (P>0.05). PCA confirmed that most morphological variation was size-related and site-specific, with some sites showing broader internal variability and others forming compact clusters. Comparisons with data from previous studies revealed in agreement with reference values although some with reduced trait sizes, likely reflecting environmental constraints, colony age, or local adaptation. These findings highlight the role of phenotypic plasticity in termite morphology and suggest that local ecological factors shape soldier traits, with implications for termite management in plantation systems.
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