Determination of feeding preference of Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) for some amino acid additives.

A choice feeding test using 21 amino acids was conducted to determine the feeding preference of Formosan subterranean termite,Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, in the laboratory. Significantly more filter paper treated withD-aspartic acid orL-glutamic acid was consumed by Formosan subterranean termites than was control filter paper treated with water. In two-choice feeding tests, termites consumed significantly more filter paper treated withD-aspartic acid orL-aspartic acid than paper treated with water. AddingL-proline,L-lysine, orL-isoleucine to filter paper significantly increased consumption compared with control filter paper in no-choice tests. The use of amino acid additives in termite baits is briefly discussed.