A laboratory study was conducted to understand the effect of low concentrations of
lufenuron on termite physiology and behavior. Survivorship, running speed, body water content, food consumption, tunneling, microbial
infection, and two behavioral patterns (carcass-burying behavior and particle transport behavior) were compared among Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, fed
lufenuron-treated (250, 500, or 1,000 ppm) or untreated (control) filter paper. In 30-32 d, all
lufenuron treatments significantly reduced survivorship, running speed, consumption, and tunneling, but had no substantial effect on body water content. In addition, termites fed the three concentrations of
lufenuron became infected by opportunistic pathogens. Carcass-burying and particle transport behaviors also were inhibited by
lufenuron. Potential application of
lufenuron at low concentrations for the control of C. formosanus is discussed.