δ13C values of selected termites (isoptera) and termite-modified materials

The δ13C values of the tissue carbon of 14 termite species showed clear differences, related to the ranges of their putative diets. Only small differences in tissue δ13C values were apparent between worker and soldier castes in the seven species examined. δ13C values were higher in the mounds and other constructs of grass-harvesting species consuming C4 materials than in the surrounding surface soils. In contrast, mound δ13C values were similar to, or lower than the surface soils in species consuming materials from mixed C3 and C4 or C3 sources. Over all mound and other termite-modified materials, δ13C values were positively and highly correlated with surface soil and tissue values.