Evidence of Termites in the Pleistocene Asphalt of Carpinteria, California

Author: Lance, John Franklin

Year: 1946

Degree: Master's thesis

Advisor: Stock, Chester

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Geology

DOI: 10.7907/0C85-8482

Abstract

Fossilized fecal pellets of termites are found in pine wood preserved in the Pleistocene Carpinteria asphalt deposits, Santa Barbara County, California. Both pellets and wood are thoroughly impregnated by tar. This material is associated with characteristic plant remains found in the Carpinteria asphalt. The pellets resemble in size and shape those of the modern termites, Kalotermes minor and Zootermopsis angusticollis or Z. nevadensis. The distribution of these species today includes the Monterey peninsula. Here a living Monterey forest assemblage of plants closely resembles that which existed in and about the Carpinteria asphalt accumulation during the Pleistocene.

Files

• Lance_jf_1946.pdf (application/pdf)