Research Product

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 with D-aspartic acid or L-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 with D-aspartic acid or L-aspartic acid than paper treated with water. Adding L-proline, L-lysine, or L-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.