Termite (Insecta, Isoptera) assemblage of a gallery forest relic from the Chaco province (Argentina): taxonomic and functional groups

Termite fauna of the gallery forest in the Colonia Benitez Reserve (Chaco province, Argentina) were analyzed using the rapid diversity assessment protocol (100 x 2 m transects). Twelve species, 10 genera and two families (Kalotermitidae and Termitidae), were detected, comprising the four feeding groups recognized for termites. True soil–feeders (IV) showed the highest species richness, and dead wood and grasses feeders (II) had the highest relative abundance. The most frequently occupied microhabitats were dead wood pieces lying on the ground. These results indicate that the Reserve harbors a diverse termite community similar to the ‘monte fuerte’ isopteran fauna (91.6% shared species). Our findings also support the Reserve′s value as a well–preserved fragment of the original gallery forest and emphasize the need to promote its conservation.