Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Soil characteristics and nutritional traits of Mactrotermes natalensis (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae) as indicators of nutritional quality in Zimbabwe

  • Original Research Article
  • Published:
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Macrotermes natalensis is a widely consumed edible termite species that inhabits termitaria of different soil colours in southern Africa. However, there is paucity of data regarding the relationship between termitaria soil properties, nutritional composition and safety for edible soldier termites. We hypothesised that soil properties viz. metal composition, and colour are positively correlated to mineral composition, bioactive compounds and level of contamination by heavy metals in soldier termites. Replicated insects samples were collected from termitaria of different soil colour types from Bikita district, Zimbabwe. Soil and insect mineral composition were determined using standard methods. Antioxidant properties of methanol insect extracts were estimated using the DPPH test. A cluster analysis was performed to relate soil colour to soil and insect minerals compositions and DPPH. Soil Zn and Cu significantly varied (P < 0.05) with respect to soil colour. Termitaria with grey colour were associated with higher content of Zn in the soil (23.5 mg/kg) compared to other soil colours. Higher (P < 0.05) Pb content (4.48 mg/kg) was detected in termites from yellowish-brown soil colour compared to dark-grey, grey, brown and light-gray (2.45, 1.45, 0.5, 0.49 mg/kg, respectively). The content of Cu and Zn in soil were significantly positively correlated to Cu and Zn in insects and inversely correlated to Pb detected in insects. Percentage DPPH (overall >50%) was independent of soil colour, soil and insect mineral composition. There is a possible risk of Pb poisoning associated with consumption of soldier Macrotermes natalensis irrespective of termitaria soil colour; however, the risk is more pronounced in insects gathered from yellowish-brown soils.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adekayode FO, Ogunkoya MO (2009) Comparative study of clay and organic matter content of termite mounds and the surrounding soils. Afr Crop Sci Conf Proc 9:379–384

    Google Scholar 

  • Agbidye FS, Ofuya TI, Akindele SO (2009) Marketability and nutritional qualities of some edible forest insects in Benue state, Nigeria. Pak J Nutr 8:917–922

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali H, Muhammad A, Sanda NB, Huang Y, Hou Y (2019) Pyrosequencing uncovers a shift in bacterial communities across life stages of Octodonta nipae (Coleoptera: chrysomelidae). Front Microbiol 10:466. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00466

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Alloway BJ (2013) “Sources of heavy metals and metalloids in soils,” in Heavy Metals in Soils: Trace Metals and Metalloids in Soils and their Bioavailability. Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands, pp 11–50

    Google Scholar 

  • AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) (1990) Official methods of analysis, 15th Ed. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Arhin E, Captain-Esoah M, Berdie BS (2018) Economic importance of termites and termitaria in mineral exploration. In termites and sustainable management (pp. 241-258). Springer, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Banjo AD, Lawal OA, Songonuga EA (2006) The nutritional value of fourteen species of edible insects in southwestern Nigeria. Afr J Biotechnol 5:298–301

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Batista AH, Melo VF, Gilkes R, Roberts M (2018) Identification of heavy metals in crystals of sand and silt fractions of soils by scanning Electron microscopy (SEM EDS/WD-EPMA). Rev. Bras Ciênc Solo 42 https://doi.org/10.1590/18069657rbcs20170174

  • Bigham JM, Fitzpatric RW, Schulze DG (2002) Iron Oxides. In: Dixon JB, Schulze DG (ed). Soil Mineralogy with Environmental Applications, Soil Science Society of America Book Series 7; pp323–366

  • Bourguignon T, Drouet T, Šobotník J, Hanus R, Roisin Y (2015) Influence of soil properties on soldierless termite distribution. PLoS One 10(8):e0135341. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0135341

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Brevik E (Ed.), Burgess L (ed) (2013) Soils and Human Health. Boca Raton: CRC Press

  • Chemura A, Musundire R, Chiwona-Karltun L (2018) Modelling habitat and spatial distribution of the edible insect Henicus whellani chop (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae) in south-eastern districts of Zimbabwe. J Insects Food Feed 4:229–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Chenje M, Sola L, Paleczny D (eds) (1998) The state of Zimbabwe’s environment 1998. Ministry of Mines, Environment and Tourism, Zimbabwe

    Google Scholar 

  • Chikodzi D, Murwendo T, Simba MF (2013a) Climate change and variability in Southeast Zimbabwe: scenarios and societal opportunities. Am J Clim Ch 2:36–46. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajcc.2013.23A004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chikodzi D, Zinhiva H, Simba FM, Murwendo T (2013b) Reclassification of agro-ecological zones in Zimbabwe-the rationale, methods and expected benefits: the case of Masvingo Province. J Sus Dev Afr 15:104–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Cribb BW, Stewart A, Huang H, Truss R, Noller B, Rasch R, Zalucki MP (2008) Insect mandibles-comparative mechanical properties and links with metal incorporation. Naturwissenschaften 95:17–23

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Debruyn LAL, Conacher AJ (1995) Soil modification by termites in the central wheat belt of Western Australia. Aus J S Res 33:179–193

    Google Scholar 

  • DeFoliart GR (1999) Insects as food: why the western attitude is important. Annu Rev Entomol 44:21–50

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DeFoliart GR (2002) The human use of insects as a food resource: a bibliographic account in progress. University of Wilconsin, Madison

    Google Scholar 

  • Denloye AA, Abdulsalam L, Bakre S, Ajelara O, Olowu R (2015) Heavy metals in some termite species and their nests in Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. An Res Int 12:2178–2183

    Google Scholar 

  • Devkota B, Schmidt GH (2000) Accumulation of heavy metals in food plants and grasshoppers from the Taigetos Mountains. Greece. Agric Ecosyst Environ 78:85–91

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doughari HJ (2012) Phytochemicals: extraction methods, basic structures and mode of action as potential chemotherapeutic agents. In: V. Rao (ed.) phytochemicals - a global perspective of their role in nutrition and health. ISBN: 978-953-51-0296-0, In Tech. https://doi.org/10.5772/26052. Accessed in 2015 pp 1-32

  • EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), (2014) Draft Scientific opinion on Dietary Reference Values for zinc. EFSA 74:NNNN. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.NNNN Available online: www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal

  • Ganieva ZА, Mirzaeva GS (2016) Peculiarities of Trophollaxis in the Termite Colony of the Anacanthotermes Turkеstanicus Family. Int J Sci Res Publ (IJSR) 5:2319–7064

    Google Scholar 

  • Gintenreiter S, Ortel J, Nopp HJ (1993) Bioaccumulation of cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc in successive developmental stages of Lymantria dispar L. (Lymantriidae, Lepid)—a life cycle study. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 25:55–61

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gullan PJ, Cranston PS (2005) Insects: an outline of entomology. 3rd edition. Blackwell publishing ltd., Hoboken, p 505

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta SP (2018) Roles of metals in human health. MOJ Bioorg Org Chem 2:221–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Hare L (1992) Aquatic insects and trace metals: bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Crit Rev Toxicol 22:327–369

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harris WV (1940) Termites in East Africa. Part 1. General biology. E Afr Agric J 6:62–66

    Google Scholar 

  • Heckel PF, Keener TC (2007) Sex differences noted in mercury bioaccumulation in Magicicada cassini. Chemoshpere 69:79–81

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heliövaara K, Väisänen R (1990) Concentrations of heavy metals in the food, faeces, adults, and empty cocoons ofNeodiprion sertifer (hymenoptera, diprionidae). Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 45(1):13–18

  • Hsu HW, Vavak DL, Satterlee LD, Miller GA (2006) A multienzyme technique for estimating protein digestibility. J Food Sci 42:1269–1273

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang Q, Wang W, Mo R, Lei C (2008) Studies on feeding and trophallaxis in the subterranean termite Odontotermes formosanus using rubidium chloride. http://www.paper.edu.n. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1570-7458.2008.00764.x

  • Idowu AB, Ademolu KO, Bamidele AJ (2014) Nutrition and heavy metal levels in the mound termite, Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman) (Isoptera; Termitidae) at three sites under varying land use in Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria. Afr Ento 22:156–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Igwe CU, Ujowundu CO, Nwaogu LA, Okwu GN (2011) Chemical analysis of an edible African termite, Macrotermes nigeriensis, a potential antidote to food security problem. Biochem Analy Biochem. https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-1009.100015

  • International Organization for Standards (1995) Soil quality: extraction of trace elements soluble in aqua regia. ISO 11466:ISO, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  • Kambhampati S, Eggleton P (2000) Taxonomy and phylogeny of termites. In: Abe T, Bignell DE, Higashi M (eds) Termites: evolution, sociality, symbioses, ecology. Springer, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaschuk G, Santos JCP, Almeida JA, Sinhorati DC, Berton-Junior JF (2006) Termite activity in relation to natural grassland soil attributes. Scientia Agricola 63(6):583–588

  • Kelemu S, Niassy S, Torto B, Fiaboe K, Affognon H, Tonnang H, Maniania NK, Ekesi S (2015) African edible insects for food security: inventory, diversity, commonalities and contribution to food security. J Insects Food Feed 1:103–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinyuru JN, Kenji GM, Njoroge SM, Ayieko M (2010) Effect of processing methods on the in vitro protein digestibility and vitamin content of edible winged termite (Macrotermes subhylanus) and grasshopper (Ruspolia differens). Food Bioprocess Technol 3:778–782

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mackay AK, Taylor MP, Munksgaard NC, Hudson-Edwards KA, Burn-Nunes L (2013) Identification of environmental lead sources and pathways in a mining and 12 journal of chemistry smelting town: Mount Isa, Australia. Environ Pollut 180:304–311

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malaka SLO (1996) Termites in West Africa. 1st Ed. University of Lagos Press, USA, ISBN: 978–017–144-4, p 165

    Google Scholar 

  • McGregor J (1991) Woodland Resources: ecology, policy and ideology. An historical case study of woodland use in Shurugwi Communal Area, Zimbabwe. PhD Diss. Loughborough University of Technology

  • McGregor J (1995) Gathered produce in Zimbabwe’s communal areas changing resource availability and use. Ecol Food Nutr 33:163–193

    Google Scholar 

  • Mendiguchia M, Moreno C, Vargas M (2007) Evaluation of natural and anthropogenic influences on the Guadalquivir River (Spain) by dissolved heavy metals and nutrients. Chemosphere 69:1509–1517

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mézes M, Erdélyi M (2020) Food safety of edible insects. In African edible insects as alternative source of food, oil, protein and bioactive components (pp. 83-94). Springer, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell JD (2002) Termites as pests of crops, forestry, rangeland and structures in southern Africa and their control. Sociobio 40:47–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohammed M, Ajayi FA, Bawa A (2014) Denudation effect of termitaria and characterization of associated termite species in Lafia Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Eur Sci J 10:185–195

  • Munsell SCC (2000) Munsell color charts. New Windsor, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Musa MB, Ajayi FA, Abdulhadi BJ (2014) Denudation effect of termiataria and characterization of associated termite species in Laffia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Eur Sci J 10:186–195

    Google Scholar 

  • Musundire R, Zvidzai CJ, Chidewe C (2014) Bio-active compounds composition in edible stinkbugs consumed in south-eastern districts of Zimbabwe. Int J Biometeorol 6:36–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Musundire R (2017) Edible insects of Zimbabwe: a guide for identification, harvesting, preparation for consumption and nutritional composition. Mwangi MM (ed) Chinhoyi University of Technology Printing Press, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

  • Musundire R, Zvidzai CJ, Chidewe C, Ngadze R, Macheka L, Manditsera FA, Mubaiwa J, Masheka A (2016a) Nutrient and anti-nutrient composition of Eulepida mashona, an edible beetle in Zimbabwe. J Insects Food Feed 2:179–187. https://doi.org/10.3920/JIFF2015.0050

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Musundire R, Cheseto X, Osuga I, Irungu J, Torto B (2016b) Aflatoxin contamination detected in nutrient and anti-oxidant rich edible stink bug stored in recycled grain containers. PLoS One 11:e0145914. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ponc.0145914

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Netshifhefhe SR, Kunjeku EC, Duncan FD (2018) Human uses and indigenous knowledge of edible termites in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. S Afr J Sci 114(1/2):Art. #2017–Art. #0145. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2018/20170145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noirot C, Darlington JPEC (2000) Termite Nests: Architecture, Regulation and Defence. In: Abe T, Bignell DE, Higashi M (eds) Termites: Evolution, Sociality, Symbioses, Ecology. Springer, Dordrecht

  • Ntukuyoh AI, Udiong DS, Ikpe E, Akpakpan AE (2012) Evaluation of nutritional value of termites (Macrotermes bellicosus): soldiers, workers, and queen in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Int J Food Nutr Saf 1:60–65

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyamapfene K (1992) A geographical overview of the soils of Zimbabwe and their agricultural potential. Geo Ed mag (GEM) 15, Harare, Mt. Pleasant: GAZ

    Google Scholar 

  • Oghenesuvwe EE, Paul C (2019) Edible insects bio-actives as anti-oxidants: current status and perspectives. J Complement Med Res 10(2):89–102

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oyarzun SE, Crawshaw GJ, Valdes EV (1996) Nutrition of the Tamandua: I. nutrient composition of termites (Nasutitermes spp.) and stomach contents from wild Tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla). Zoo Bio 15:509–524

    Google Scholar 

  • Paoletti MG, Buscardo E, Vanderjagt DJ, Pastuszyn A, Pizzoferrato L, Hunag V, Chung T, Millson M, Cerda H, Glew RH (2003) Nutrient content of termites (Syntermes) soldiers consumed by Markiritare Amerindians of alto Orinoco of Venezuela. Ecol Food Nutr 42:173–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson D (1981) Chemical Analysis of Foods. 1981. 8th edition. Longman Scientific and Technical, London, p 575

    Google Scholar 

  • Pękal A, Pyrzynska K (2015) Effect of pH and metal ions on DPPH radical scavenging activity of tea. Int J Food Sci Nutr 66:58–62. https://doi.org/10.3109/09637486.2014.959899

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petts AE, Hill SM, Worrall L (2009) Termite species variations and their importance for termitaria biogeochemistry: towards a robust media approach for mineral exploration. Geochem-Explor Env A 9:257–266

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phelps RJ, Struthers JK, Moyo SJL (1975) Investigations into the nutritive value of Macrotermes falciger (Isoptera; Termitidae). J Afr Zoo 10:123–132

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pretorius ML, Van Huyssteen CW, Brown LR (2017) Soil color indicates carbon and wetlands: developing a color-proxy for soil organic carbon and wetland boundaries on sandy coastal plains in South Africa. Environ Monit Assess 189:556

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quennedy A, Deligne J (1975) L’arme frontale des soldats de termites (Rhinotermitidae). Insect Soc 22:243–267

    Google Scholar 

  • R Core Team (2013) R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. https://www.R-project.org/

  • Samsonowicz M, Regulska E (2016) Evaluation of influence of selected metal cations on antioxidant activity of extracts from savory (Satureja hortensis). Chem Pap 70:811–819. https://doi.org/10.1515/chempap-2016-0001

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schabel HG (2006) Forest entomology in East Africa: Forest insects of Tanzania. The Springer, The Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4655-3

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Semhi K, Chaudhuri S, Clauer N, Boeglin JL (2008) Impact of termite activity on soil environment: A perspective from their soluble chemical components. International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology 5(4):431–444

  • Sharma PV, Paliwal R, Sharma S (2011) Preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant potential of hydro-ethanolic extract of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn Int J Pharmtech Res 56:200–207

  • Sileshi GW, Arshad MA, Konate S, Nkunika POY (2010) Termite-induced heterogeneity in African savanna vegetation: mechanisms and patterns. J Veg Sci 21:923–937

    Google Scholar 

  • Silow CA (1983) Notes on Ngangela and Nkoya ethnozoology. Ants and termites Etnol Stud 36:177

    Google Scholar 

  • Siulapwa R, Mwanambungu A, Lungu E, Sichilima A (2014) Nutritional value of four common edible insects in Zambia. Int J Sci Res 6:877–884

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart AD, Anand RR, Laird JS, Verrall M, Ryan CG, de Jonge MD, Paterson D, Howard DL (2011) Distribution of metals in the termite Tumulitermes tumuli (Froggatt): two types of Malpighian tubule concretion host Zn and Ca mutually exclusively. PLoS One 6:e27578. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0027578

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Thi Vu A, Nguyen CN, Leadbetter JR (2004) Iron reduction in the metal-rich guts of wood-feeding termites. Geobiology 2:239–247

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas RJ (1987) Distribution of Termitomyces and other fungi in the nests and major workers of several Nigerian macrotermitinae. Soil Biol Biochem 19:335–341

    Google Scholar 

  • Tshuma J, Logan JWM, Pearce MJ (1998) Termites attacking field crops, pasture and forest trees in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe J Agric Res 26:87–95

  • UYS VM (2002) A Guide to the Termite Genera of Southern Africa. Plant Protection Research Institute Handbook No. 15. ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, Pretoria, South Africa, p 116

    Google Scholar 

  • van Huis A (1996) The traditional use of arthropods in Su-Saharan Africa. Proc Sect Exp App Ento NEV Amst 7:3–20

    Google Scholar 

  • van Huis A (2003) Insects as food in sub-Saharan Africa. Ins Sci Appl 23:163–185

    Google Scholar 

  • van Huis A (2017) Cultural significance of termites in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 13(1)

  • Veli S, Alyuz B (2007) Adsorption of copper and zinc from aqueous solutions by using natural clay. J Hazard Mater 149:226–286

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wei T, Simko V, Levy M, Xie Y, Jin Y, Zemla J (2017) Package ‘corrplot’. Statistician 56:e24

    Google Scholar 

  • White RE (2013) Principles and practice of soil science: the soil as a natural resource 4th edition. Wiley-Blackwell

  • WHO (2011) Evaluations of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) CAS number 7439–92-1

  • Wilson AEO (1971) The insect societies. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. https://books.google.co.zw/books?id=K_uyQgAACAAJD. Accessed 20 May 2020

  • Wilson KB (1990) Ecological dynamics and human welfare: a case study of population, health and nutrition in southern Zimbabwe. Unpublished PhD. Thesis, University College, London, U.K., p 664

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng L, Wu K, Li Y, Qi Z, Han D, Zhang B, Gu C, Chen G, Liu J, Chen S, Xu X, Huo X (2008) Blood lead and cadmium levels and relevant factors among children from an e-waste recycling town in China. Environ Res 108:1520–1520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2008.04.002

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu J, Yang J, Deng B (2010) Ethylenediamine-modified activated carbon for aqueous lead adsorption. Environ Chem Lett 8:277–282

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Maritha Vandirai of Ruvoko village in Bikita District is gratefully acknowledged for assistance with soldier termite harvesting. The authors would also like to thank Ms. Dorothy Madamba of the Bulawayo Natural History Museum, Zimbabwe for her assistance in soldier termite identification.

Availability of data and material

(N/A)

Funding

This work was supported by funds from, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe (Project No. SERC/12/07/12). We also thank the AgriFoSe2030 programme and Sida for the financial support for this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off Chirundu Road, Bag, 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

    R. Musundire, A. Chemura & C. Bangira

  2. Biochemistry Department, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

    C. Chidewe

  3. Government Analyst laboratory, P. O. Box CY 231, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe

    B. K. Samende

  4. Africa Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds, Jeramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Off Bondo-Usenge Road, P. O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya

    O. A. Andika

  5. Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7012, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

    L. Chiwona-Karltun

Authors
  1. R. Musundire
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C. Chidewe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. B. K. Samende
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. A. Chemura
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. C. Bangira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. O. A. Andika
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. L. Chiwona-Karltun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. Musundire.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of interest/competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethics approval

This study was a field study that was observational and did not involve any humans or endangered biological species. Therefore no ethics approval was required.

Consent to participate

(N/A)

Consent for publication

All authors consent to the publication of this work.

Code availability

(N/A)

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Musundire, R., Chidewe, C., Samende, B.K. et al. Soil characteristics and nutritional traits of Mactrotermes natalensis (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae) as indicators of nutritional quality in Zimbabwe. Int J Trop Insect Sci 41, 2113–2124 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-020-00394-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-020-00394-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation