The Occurrence of Termites in the New Guinea Highlands.

Abstract

Approximately fifty species of Termites (White-Ants) have been recorded from the Papuan Zoogeographical Region. A further dozen or so have been collected but remain undescribed. There are no published records of termites from the Highland areas above 5,000 feet; the first collection was made as late as 1955. Since 1957 some ten species have been collected in this region, and a few at lower elevations on the margins of the area. About six of these are unnamed. This paper gives information on the material collected and details of value to agricultural officers, planters and others who may have the opportunity to collect specimens of this group which is so poorly known in the Highlands.