Termite assemblages in two montane forests in the Caatinga domain of northeastern Brazil

Termites are very abundant in tropical ecosystems and play active roles in nutrient cycling and soil formation, but few studies have been undertaken focusing on their assemblages in northeastern Brazil. The present study analyzed the composition of termite assemblages in two areas of montane forest in the Caatinga domain in the municipalities of Catingueira and Paulista, Paraíba State, Brazil. A standardized sampling protocol (30 hours x person) was undertaken in each area from six 65 m transects with five 10 m² plots distributed along their lengths. Nest densities were estimated in six 65 x 20 m plots. We identified 28 morphospecies belonging to 17 genera and three families, among 167 samples collected. The subfamily Nasutitermitinae and wood-feeding termites were the most representative in terms of the numbers of species and their relative abundances. Five species constructing conspicuous nests were encountered: \textit{Constrictotermes cyphergaster}, \textit{Microcerotermes strunckii}, \textit{Microcerotermes indistinctus}, \textit{Nasutitermes corniger}, and \textit{Nasutitermes macrocephalus}. The mean density of active conspicuous nests was 46.2 ± 12.9 nests/ha (mean ± standard desviation) in Paulista, and 83.3 ± 23.5 nests/ha in Catingueira. \textit{Constrictotermes cyphergaster} was the principal nest constructing species. The numbers of morphospecies encountered were within the ranges previously reported for the semiarid region of Brazil. The semiarid domain, including montane forests, demonstrates a heterogeneous climate, vegetation, and geomorphology; as such, additional studies focusing on termite diversity will increase our understanding of regional diversity patterns. Funding: CNPq/Universal 14/2014 (n.461875/2014-4). PIBIC/CNPq/UFCG 4/2015.