ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON TILE SYMBIOSIS OF TER ITOMYCES ...

5.2 MCROTSIMS BELLICOSM3
5,2*1 HACROTIT-NES DELLICOSUS WST SYSTEM
Introduction
The structure of t1le 14, bellicosus nest system was described
in Chapter 2 (2-3-29 PLO- 2.3-1)-
Vixually the fungus combs of 11. bellicosus appear to be divided
Into three distinct zones (Plate 5,2*1)o These arei
(1) Fresh combi the freshly deposited edge of the fumaus combo
This is darker In colour
than the rest of the comb and the faecal
pellet structure In more obvious. This will be termed fresh comb.
(2) Middle combs the middle zone of the comb,, which is
characterized by having the mycotetes of Termit on its surface*
This will be called the Middle comb,
Old combs the older part of the combg which has red/13rown
superficial patches of soil Present On ito This Will be called the
old combe
In order to givo an idea of the relative sizes of tile parts of
the nest measurements were made on one H. bellicosus mounds
Nothods
A small nest was excavated and the sizes of the various parts. of
the mound recardede These were%
height of mound
circumference at base of wound
height of habitaclp
circumference of plate
JL83.