The xylophagous termites C. nordenskioeldi and N.
coxipoensis were the most abundant species in the sugar cane
plantation. C. nordenskioeldi individuals were found feeding
mainly on dead sugar cane stems, but also on apparently
healthy stems, as well as on plant roots. This species had
larger amount of individuals (though not quantified) in gaps
of the plantation with shorter and yellowish plants. N.
coxipoensis had individuals feeding generally on dead stems,
but occasionally feeding also on living stems (less than 1%)
which were previously attacked by larvae of Diatraea
saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Individuals
of A. nordestinus were found feeding on fallen leaves and
dead roots, but also on some living roots. Individuals of S.
nanus were also feeding on recently fallen leaves and also on
living leaves, when there were no dead leaves on the soil, in
the beginning of the sugar cane sprouting.