Annals of the Entomological Society of America

Published by: Entomological Society of America

« previous article : next article »


Annals of the Entomological Society of America 100(5):763-771. 2007
doi: 10.1603/0013-8746(2007)100[763:ONOSAI]2.0.CO;2

Observational Notes on Short-Lived and Infrequent Behaviors Displayed by Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

J. G. Whitman and B. T. Forschler,1

413 Biological Science Building, UGA, 120 Cedar Street, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

1Corresponding author, e-mail: .

Abstract

Behaviors displayed by worker termites, which make up 80–90% of any eastern subterranean termite population, provide the foundation for understanding the details of termite social organization. Individually marked termite workers were placed in an enclosed, darkened arena and videotaped for three 24-h periods. Behaviors observed in detail include ecdysial assistance, gallery excavation, oscillatory movements, worker feeding and adult mating. Primary reproductive pairs were observed to mate, on average, once every 3 d. Ecdysis lasted 43 min and involved multiple allogrooming attendants. Excavating termites manipulated the substrate with their mouthparts and showed fidelity to the site of excavation but not the site of deposition. Four different types of oscillatory movements were characterized with the type IV always ending in defecation. Worker feeding behaviors are described that involve swallowing materials obtained by five different routes and evoke use of the superorganism concept. The relevance of these observations for a better understanding of a variety of topics, including biology, management, and evolution of these economic pests, is included.

Received: December 12, 2006; Accepted: June 5, 2007

Keywords: subterranean termite, worker behavior, feeding, social interactions, allogrooming



References Cited

Afzal, M. Courtship and copulation in the termite Bifiditermes beesoni (Gardner) (Isoptera). Z. Ang. Entomol. 100:1985. 523–533.
Cabrera, B. J. and M. K. Rust. Caste differences in feeding and trophallaxis in the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae). Insectes Soc. 46:1999. 244–249. CrossRef, CSA
Campora, C. E. and J. K. Grace. Effect of average worker size on tunneling behavior of Formosan subterranean termite colonies. J. Insect Behav. 17:2004. 777–791.
Chapman, R. F. Postembryonic development. The insects: structure and function. 1998. 363–412.Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Cornelius, M. L., D. J. Daigle, J. W. J. Connick, A. Parker, and K. Wunch. Responses of Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to three types of wood rot fungi cultured on different substrates. J. Econ. Entomol. 95:2002. 121–128. Abstract, PubMed, CSA
Costa-Leonardo, A. M. and G. B. Patricio. Structure of the spermatheca in five families of Isoptera. Sociobiology 45:2005. 659–670.
Ebeling, W. and R. J. Pence. Relation of particle size to the penetration of subterranean termites through barriers of sand or cinders. J. Econ. Entomol. 50:1957. 690–692.
Forschler, B. T. Survivorship and tunneling activity of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in response to termiticide soil barriers with and without gaps of untreated soil. J. Entomol. Sci. 29:1993. 43–54.
Forschler, B. T. Incidence of feeding by the eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in laboratory bioassay. Sociobiology 28:1996. 265–273.
Gerber, C., S. Badertscher, and R. H. Leuthold. Polyethism in Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera). Insectes Soc. 35:1988. 226–240.
Gold, R. E., H. N. Howell Jr, B. M. Pawson, M. S. Wright, and J. C. Lutz. Persistence and bioavailability of termiticides to subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) from five soil types and locations in Texas. Sociobiology 28:1996. 337–363. CSA
Grube, S. and D. Rudolph. Water supply during building activities in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes santonensis De Feytaud (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Insectes Soc. 46:1999. 192–193.
Grube, S. and B. T. Forschler. Census of monogyne and polygyne laboratory colonies illuminates dynamics of population growth in Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Ann. Entmol. Soc. Am. 97:2004. 466–475. CrossRef
Grube, S., D. Rudolph, and I. Zerbst-Boroffka. Morphology, fine structure, and functional aspects of the labial gland reservoirs of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes santonensis De Feytaud (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Int. J. Insect Morphol. Embryol. 26:1997. 49–53.
Howse, P. E. Oscillation movements in the termite Zootermopsis angusticollis. Emerson. Symp. Genetica et Biol. Italica 11:1962. 256–268.
Howse, P. E. The significance of the sound produced by the termite Zootermopsis angusticollis (Hagen). Anim. Behav. 12:1964. 284–300. CrossRef
Howse, P. E. On the significance of certain oscillatory movements of termites. Insectes Soc. 12:1965. 335–346. CrossRef
Howse, P. E. On the division of labour in the primitive termite Zootermopsis nevadensis (Hagen). Insectes Soc. 15:1968. 45–50.
Ibrahim, S. A., G. Henderson, and H. Fei. Toxicity, repellency, and horizontal transmission of fipronil in the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 96:2003. 461–467. Abstract, PubMed, CSA
Indrayani, Y., T. Yoshimura, Y. Yanase, Y. Fujii, H. Matsuoka, and Y. Imamura. Observations of feeding behavior of three termite (Isoptera) species: Incisitermes minor, Coptotermes formosanus, and Reticulitermes speratus. Sociobiology 49:2007. 1–14.
Inoue, T., K. Murashima, J-I. Azuma, A. Sugimoto, and M. Slaytor. Cellulose and xylan utilization in the lower termite Reticulitermes speratus. J. Insect Physiol. 43:1997. 235–242. CrossRef, PubMed, CSA
Kaib, M. and J. Ziesmann. The labial gland in termite Schedorhinotermes lamanianus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): morphology and function during communal food exploitation. Insectes Soc. 39:1992. 373–384.
La Fage, J. P. and W. L. Nutting. Nutrient dynamics of termites. Brian, M. V., editor. Production ecology of ants and termites. 1978. 165–232.Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Laine, L. V. and D. J. Wright. The life cycle of Reticulitermes spp. (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): what do we know? Bull. Entomol. Res. 93:2003. 267–278.
Maistrello, L. and G. Sbrenna. Frequency of some behavioral patterns in colonies of Kalotermes flavicollis (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae): the importance of social interactions and vibratory movements as mechanisms for social integration. Ethol. Ecol. Evol. 8:1996. 365–375.
Nalepa, A. C. Nourishment and the origin of termite eusociality. Hunt, J. H. and C. A. Nalepa, editors. Nourishment and evolution in insect societies. 1994. Westview Press. Boulder, CO.
Nakashima, K., H. Watanabe, H. Saitoh, G. Tokuda, and J. I. Azuma. Dual cellulose-digesting system of the wood-feeding termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 32:2002. 777–784. CrossRef, PubMed, CSA
Pitts-Singer, T. L. and B. T. Forschler. Influence of guideline and passageways on tunneling behavior of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and R. virginicus (Banks) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Insect Behav. 13:2000. 273–290. CrossRef
Raina, A., Y. I. Park, and C. Florane. Behavior and reproductive biology of the primary reproductives of the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Sociobiology 41:2003. 37–48.
Reinhard, J. and J. L. Clement. Alarm reaction of European Reticulitermes termites to soldier head capsule volatiles (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae). J. Insect Behav. 15:2002. 95–107. CrossRef, CSA
Reinhard, J. and M. Kaib. Food exploitation in termites: indication for a general feeding-stimulating signal in labial gland secretion of Isoptera. J. Chem. Ecol. 27:2001. 189–201.
Reinhard, J., H. Hertel, and M. Kaib. Feeding stimulation signal in labial gland secretion of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes santonensis. J. Chem. Ecol. 23:1997. 2371–2381. CrossRef, CSA
Remmen, L. N. and N-Y. Su. Tunneling and mortality of eastern and Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in sand treated with thiamethoxam or fipronil. J. Econ. Entomol. 98:2005. 906–910. Abstract, PubMed
Rosengaus, R. B. and J. F. A. Traniello. Temporal polyethism in incipient colonies of the primitive termite Zootermopsis angusticollis: a single multiage caste. J. Insect Behav. 6:1993. 237–252. CrossRef, CSA
Rosengaus, R. B., J. F. A. Traniello, and C. K. Levy. Social transfer, elimination, and biological half-life of gamma-emitting radionuclides in the termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kol. J. Appl. Entomol. 101:1986. 287–294. CSA
Rosengaus, R. B., C. Jordan, M. L. Lefebvre, and J. F. A. Traniello. Pathogen alarm behavior in a termite: a new form of communication in social insects. Naturwissenschaften 86:1999a. 544–548. CrossRef, PubMed
Rosengaus, R. B., J. F. A. Traniello, J. Chen, and J. J. Brown. Immunity in a social insect. Naturwissenschaften 86:1999b. 588–591. CrossRef
Saran, R. K. and M. K. Rust. Feeding, uptake, and utilization of carbohydrates by western subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 98:2005. 1284–1293. Abstract, PubMed
Sheets, J. S., L. L. Karr, and J. E. Dripps. Kinetics of uptake, clearance, transfer, and metabolism of hexaflumuron by eastern subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 93:2000. 871–877. Abstract, PubMed, CSA
Shellman-Reeve, J. S. The spectrum of eusociality in termites. Choe, J. C. and B. J. Crespi, editors. The evolution of social behavior in insects and arachnids. 1997. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Sleigh, C. Brave new worlds: trophallaxis and the origin of society in the early twentieth century. J. Hist. Behav. Sci. 38:2002. 133–156.
Suarez, M. E. and B. L. Thorne. Effects of food type and foraging distance on trophallaxis in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes virginicus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Sociobiology 35:2000a. 487–498. CSA
Suarez, M. E. and B. L. Thorne. Rate, amount, and distribution pattern of alimentary fluid transfer via trophallaxis in three species of termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae, Termopsidae). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 93:2000b. 145–155. CrossRef
Stuart, A. M. Studies on the communication of alarm in the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis (Hagen), Isoptera. Physiol. Zool. 36:1963. 85–96.
Stuart, A. M. Alarm, defense, and construction behavior relationships in termites (Isoptera). Science (Wash., D.C.) 156:1967. 1123–1125. CrossRef, PubMed
Stuart, A. M. Preliminary studies in the significance of head-banging movements in termites with special reference to Zootermopsis angusticollis. Sociobiology 14:1988. 49–60.
Su, N-Y. and J. P. La Fage. Differences in survival and feeding activity among colonies of the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Z. Ang. Entomol. 97:1984. 134–138.
Su, N-Y. and H. Puche. Tunneling activity of subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in sand with moisture gradients. J. Econ. Entomol. 96:2003. 88–93. Abstract, PubMed, CSA
Su, N-Y. and R. H. Scheffrahn. Laboratory evaluation of two chitin synthesis inhibitors, hexaflumuron and diflubenzuron, as bait toxicants against Formosan and eastern subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 86:1993. 1453–1457. CSA
Thorne, B. L. Evolution of eusociality in termites. Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 28:1997. 27–54. CrossRef
Thorne, B. L. Biology of subterranean termites of the genus Reticulitermes. NPMA Research Report on Subterranean Termites. 1998. 1–30.National Pest Management Association. Dunn Loring, VA.
Thorne, B. L., J. F. A. Traniello, E. S. Adams, and M. Bulmer. Reproductive dynamics and colony structure of subterranean termites of the genus Reticulitermes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): a review of the evidence from behavioral, ecological, and genetic studies. Ethol. Ecol. Evol. 11:1999. 149–169. CSA
Tokuda, C., N. Lo, and H. Watanabe. Marked variations in patterns of cellulose activity against crystalline- vs. carboxymethyl-cellulose in the digestive systems of diverse, wood-feeding termites. Physiol. Entomol. 30:2005. 372–380.
Traniello, J. F. A., R. B. Rosengaus, and K. Savole. The development of immunity in a social insect: evidence for the group facilitation of disease resistance. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99:2002. 6838–6842. CrossRef, PubMed, CSA
Valles, S. M. and W. D. Woodson. Group effects on insecticide toxicity in workers of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Pest Manag. Sci. 58:2002. 769–774. CrossRef, PubMed, CSA
Weiss, M. Defecation behavior and ecology of insects. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 51:2006. 635–661. CrossRef, PubMed
Whitman, J. G. Observations of behaviors in the worker caste of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). 2006. M.S. thesis, University of Georgia. Athens, GA.
Wilson, D. S. and E. Sober. Reviving the superorganism. J. Theor. Biol. 136:1989. 337–356. CrossRef, PubMed
Wilson, E. O. The insect societies. 1971. Harvard University Press. Cambridge, MA.
Wilson, E. O. Sociobiology. 1975. Harvard University Press. Cambridge, MA.
Zhou, X., J. A. Smith, F. M. Oi, P. G. Koehler, G. W. Bennett, and M. F. Scharf. Correlation of cellulose gene expression and cellulolytic activity throughout the gut of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Gene 395:2007. 29–39.

Cited by

Hou-Feng Li, Nan-Yao Su. (2009) Buccal Manipulation of Sand Particles During Tunnel Excavation of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 102:2, 333-338
Online publication date: 1-Mar-2009.

Abstract & References : Full Text : PDF (368 KB) 

A.-G. Bagnères, A. Pichon, J. Hope, R. W. Davis, J.-L. Clément. (2009) Contact Versus Feeding Intoxication by Fipronil in Reticulitermes Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): Laboratory Evaluation of Toxicity, Uptake, Clearance, and Transfer Among Individuals. Journal of Economic Entomology 102:1, 347-356
Online publication date: 1-Feb-2009.

Abstract & References : Full Text : PDF (170 KB) 

click this button to close

Article Views

Article Tools

click this button to open

Citing Articles

 
BioOne is the product of innovative collaboration between scientific societies, libraries, academe and the private sector.
 
21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036 • Phone 202.296.2296 • Fax 202.872.0884
 
Copyright © 2009 BioOne All rights reserved