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Mizumoto N, Yashiro T, Matsuura K. Male same-sex pairing as an adaptive strategy for future reproduction in termites. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Botch PS, Houseman RM. Landscape Patterns of Colonization by Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Missouri Neighborhoods. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 109:800-808. [PMID: 26838347 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In Missouri, the relative abundances of subterranean termite species differ between undeveloped forest and urban landscapes. Reticulitermes hageni Banks occurs in greater relative proportions in forested landscapes, while Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) occurs in greater relative proportions in urban landscapes. Thus, subterranean termite communities appear to change at some point as landscapes are converted from undeveloped to urban. It is not known if communities change quickly in direct response to urban development, or if changes occur over time in altered urban landscapes. The purpose of this study is to examine how landscape factors are associated with subterranean termite communities and patterns of colonization as subdivisions are constructed and age. Subterranean termites were collected from 25 areas in Columbia, MO, that were classified along a gradient of urbanization to include 1) undeveloped landscapes; 2) recently disturbed transitional landscapes; 3) 10-yr-old subdivisions; and 4) 20-yr-old subdivisions. Subterranean termite communities were assessed by identifying species using polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The interactions between landscape features and subterranean termites were examined using GIS software. Relative proportions of Reticulitermes spp. in communities of forest landscapes and urban areas are similar to previous reports for the state of Missouri. Termite communities appear to be locally eliminated after soils are disturbed or removed during subdivision development, although remnant colonies can persist in areas that are not disturbed. Reticulitermes flavipes appears to colonize subdivisions quickly regardless of historical or contemporary landscape; however, R. hageni colonization generally becomes more common as subdivisions age and gradually become more forested.
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Rosengaus RB, Reichheld JL. Phenoloxidase activity in the infraorder Isoptera: unraveling life-history correlates of immune investment. Naturwissenschaften 2016; 103:14. [PMID: 26838762 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-016-1338-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Within the area of ecological immunology, the quantification of phenoloxidase (PO) activity has been used as a proxy for estimating immune investment. Because termites have unique life-history traits and significant inter-specific differences exist regarding their nesting and foraging habits, comparative studies on PO activity can shed light on the general principles influencing immune investment against the backdrop of sociality, reproductive potential, and gender. We quantified PO activity across four termite species ranging from the phylogenetically basal to the most derived, each with their particular nesting/foraging strategies. Our data indicate that PO activity varies across species, with soil-dwelling termites exhibiting significantly higher PO levels than the above-ground wood nester species which in turn have higher PO levels than arboreal species. Moreover, our comparative approach suggests that pathogenic risks can override reproductive potential as a more important driver of immune investment. No gender-based differences in PO activities were recorded. Although termite PO activity levels vary in accordance with a priori predictions made from life-history theory, our data indicate that nesting and foraging strategies (and their resulting pathogenic pressures) can supersede reproductive potential and other life-history traits in influencing investment in PO. Termites, within the eusocial insects, provide a unique perspective for inferring how different ecological pressures may have influenced immune function in general and their levels of PO activity, in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca B Rosengaus
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 134 Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Reichheld
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 134 Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA
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Dedeine F, Dupont S, Guyot S, Matsuura K, Wang C, Habibpour B, Bagnères AG, Mantovani B, Luchetti A. Historical biogeography of Reticulitermes termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) inferred from analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear loci. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2016; 94:778-790. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Dedeine F, Weinert LA, Bigot D, Josse T, Ballenghien M, Cahais V, Galtier N, Gayral P. Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomes from Secondary Reproductives of Three Reticulitermes Termite Species. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145596. [PMID: 26698123 PMCID: PMC4689415 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Termites are eusocial insects related to cockroaches that feed on lignocellulose. These insects are key species in ecosystems since they recycle a large amount of nutrients but also are pests, exerting major economic impacts. Knowledge on the molecular pathways underlying reproduction, caste differentiation or lignocellulose digestion would largely benefit from additional transcriptomic data. This study focused on transcriptomes of secondary reproductive females (nymphoid neotenics). Thirteen transcriptomes were used: 10 of Reticulitermes flavipes and R. grassei sequenced from a previous study, and two transcriptomes of R. lucifugus sequenced for the present study. After transcriptome assembly and read mapping, we examined interspecific variations of genes expressed by termites or gut microorganisms. A total of 18,323 orthologous gene clusters were detected. Functional annotation and taxonomic assignment were performed on a total of 41,287 predicted contigs in the three termite species. Between the termite species studied, functional categories of genes were comparable. Gene ontology (GO) terms analysis allowed the discovery of 9 cellulases and a total of 79 contigs potentially involved in 11 enzymatic activities used in wood metabolism. Altogether, results of this study illustrate the strong potential for the use of comparative interspecific transcriptomes, representing a complete resource for future studies including differentially expressed genes between castes or SNP analysis for population genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Dedeine
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS—Université François Rabelais, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Lucy A. Weinert
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, UMR 5554, Université de Montpellier—CNRS—IRD—EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - Diane Bigot
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS—Université François Rabelais, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Thibaut Josse
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS—Université François Rabelais, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Marion Ballenghien
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, UMR 5554, Université de Montpellier—CNRS—IRD—EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Cahais
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, UMR 5554, Université de Montpellier—CNRS—IRD—EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Galtier
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, UMR 5554, Université de Montpellier—CNRS—IRD—EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Gayral
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS—Université François Rabelais, 37200, Tours, France
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Bankhead-Dronnet S, Perdereau E, Kutnik M, Dupont S, Bagnères AG. Spatial structuring of the population genetics of a European subterranean termite species. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:3090-102. [PMID: 26357538 PMCID: PMC4559052 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In population genetics studies, detecting and quantifying the distribution of genetic variation can help elucidate ecological and evolutionary processes. In social insects, the distribution of population-level genetic variability is generally linked to colony-level genetic structure. It is thus especially crucial to conduct complementary analyses on such organisms to examine how spatial and social constraints interact to shape patterns of intraspecific diversity. In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial COII gene for 52 colonies of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes grassei (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), sampled from a population in southwestern France. Three haplotypes were detected, one of which was found exclusively in the southern part of the study area (near the Pyrenees). After genotyping 6 microsatellite loci for 512 individual termites, we detected a significant degree of isolation by distance among individuals over the entire range; however, the cline of genetic differentiation was not continuous, suggesting the existence of differentiated populations. A spatial principal component analysis based on allele frequency data revealed significant spatial autocorrelation among genotypes: the northern and southern groups were strongly differentiated. This finding was corroborated by clustering analyses; depending on the randomized data set, two or three clusters, exhibiting significant degrees of differentiation, were identified. An examination of colony breeding systems showed that colonies containing related neotenic reproductives were prevalent, suggesting that inbreeding may contribute to the high level of homozygosity observed and thus enhance genetic contrasts among colonies. We discuss the effect of evolutionary and environmental factors as well as reproductive and dispersal modes on population genetic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Bankhead-Dronnet
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures, EA 1207, Université d’Orléans45067, Orléans, France
- Correspondence Stéphanie Bankhead-Dronnet, Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC), EA 1207, Université d’Orléans, rue de Chartres, BP 6759, 45067 Orléans, France., Tel: 33 (0) 238 417 153;, Fax: 33 (0) 238 494 089;, E-mail:
| | - Elfie Perdereau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS - Université François Rabelais. UFR Sci. & Tech.Tours, 37200, France
| | - Magdalena Kutnik
- FCBA - Institut technologique, Dpt Biologie et Préservation du BoisAllée de Boutaut BP227, 33028, Bordeaux, France
| | - Simon Dupont
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS - Université François Rabelais. UFR Sci. & Tech.Tours, 37200, France
| | - Anne-Geneviève Bagnères
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS - Université François Rabelais. UFR Sci. & Tech.Tours, 37200, France
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Identification of Eastern United States Reticulitermes Termite Species via PCR-RFLP, Assessed Using Training and Test Data. INSECTS 2015; 6:524-37. [PMID: 26463202 PMCID: PMC4553497 DOI: 10.3390/insects6020524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reticulitermes termites play key roles in dead wood decomposition and nutrient cycling in forests. They also damage man-made structures, resulting in considerable economic loss. In the eastern United States, five species (R. flavipes, R. virginicus, R. nelsonae, R. hageni and R. malletei) have overlapping ranges and are difficult to distinguish morphologically. Here we present a molecular tool for species identification. It is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a section of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene, followed by a three-enzyme restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay, with banding patterns resolved via agarose gel electrophoresis. The assay was designed using a large set of training data obtained from a public DNA sequence database, then evaluated using an independent test panel of Reticulitermes from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, for which species assignments were determined via phylogenetic comparison to reference sequences. After refining the interpretive framework, the PCR-RFLP assay was shown to provide accurate identification of four co-occurring species (the fifth species, R. hageni, was absent from the test panel, so accuracy cannot yet be extended to training data). The assay is cost- and time-efficient, and will help improve knowledge of Reticulitermes species distributions.
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Arango RA, Marschalek DA, Green F, Raffa KF, Berres ME. Genetic Analysis of Termite Colonies in Wisconsin. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 44:890-897. [PMID: 26313996 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvv023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to document current areas of subterranean termite activity in Wisconsin and to evaluate genetic characteristics of these northern, peripheral colonies. Here, amplified fragment-length polymorphism was used to characterize levels of inbreeding, expected heterozygosity, and percent polymorphism within colonies as well as genetic structure among populations sampled. Genetic analysis revealed two species of termites occur in Wisconsin, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and Reticulitermes tibialis Banks, both found in the southern half of the state. Colonies of both species in Wisconsin are thought to represent the northern boundary of their current distributions. Measurements of within colony genetic variation showed the proportion of polymorphic loci to be between 52.9-63.9% and expected heterozygosity to range from 0.122-0.189. Consistent with geographical isolation, strong intercolony genetic differences were observed, with over 50% of FST values above 0.25 and the remaining showing moderate levels of genetic differentiation. Combined with low levels of inbreeding in most collection locations (FIS 0.042-0.123), we hypothesize termites were introduced numerous times in the state, likely by anthropogenic means. We discuss the potential effects of these genetic characteristics on successful colony establishment of termites along the northern boundary compared with termites in the core region of their distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Arango
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726. Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706.
| | - D A Marschalek
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706. Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - F Green
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726
| | - K F Raffa
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706
| | - M E Berres
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 542 Animal Sciences Building, 1675 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706
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Ruan G, Song X, Hu Y, Han N, Zhang D. Foraging Activities of Coptotermes formosanus in Subtropical Areas in China. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 108:701-706. [PMID: 26470181 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tou030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The foraging activities, including foraging range and seasonal fluctuation of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were investigated in subtropical areas in China. Six mature C. formosanus colonies were selected for this study. Foraging distance and area were conducted in Anqing1, Hengyang, and Wuxi1 colonies, while the seasonal fluctuation was conducted in Wuxi2, Wuwei, and Anqing2 colonies. Mark-release-recapture method analysis showed that the Formosan termites foraged at least 11.5, 28.7, and 56.8 m away from the main nest and covered 98.1, 543.7, and 671.9 m2 of foraging area at Anqing1, Hengyang, and Wuxi1 site, respectively. The seasonal fluctuation in termite colony activity showed an "M shape" pattern according to the wood damages caused by termites at monitoring stations. Peak colony activity at Wuxi2, Wuwei, and Anqing2 occurred in July and October, June and September, July and October, respectively. This study provides critical information for the integrated management of C. formosanus, including baiting application in the subtropical regions of China, where it constitutes the most destructive pest for household structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhua Ruan
- National Termite Control Center of China, 695 Moganshan Rd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310011, China
| | - Xiaogang Song
- National Termite Control Center of China, 695 Moganshan Rd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310011, China
| | - Yin Hu
- National Termite Control Center of China, 695 Moganshan Rd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310011, China
| | - Na Han
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, 88 Huanchengbei Rd., Linan, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China
| | - Dayu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, 88 Huanchengbei Rd., Linan, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China. Corresponding author, e-mail:
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Scharf ME. Omic research in termites: an overview and a roadmap. Front Genet 2015; 6:76. [PMID: 25821456 PMCID: PMC4358217 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many recent breakthroughs in our understanding of termite biology have been facilitated by "omics" research. Omic science seeks to collectively catalog, quantify, and characterize pools of biological molecules that translate into structure, function, and life processes of an organism. Biological molecules in this context include genomic DNA, messenger RNA, proteins, and other biochemicals. Other permutations of omics that apply to termites include sociogenomics, which seeks to define social life in molecular terms (e.g., behavior, sociality, physiology, symbiosis, etc.) and digestomics, which seeks to define the collective pool of host and symbiont genes that collaborate to achieve high-efficiency lignocellulose digestion in the termite gut. This review covers a wide spectrum of termite omic studies from the past 15 years. Topics covered include a summary of terminology, the various kinds of omic efforts that have been undertaken, what has been revealed, and to a degree, what the results mean. Although recent omic efforts have contributed to a better understanding of many facets of termite and symbiont biology, and have created important new resources for many species, significant knowledge gaps still remain. Crossing these gaps can best be done by applying new omic resources within multi-dimensional (i.e., functional, translational, and applied) research programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Scharf
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
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Perdereau E, Bagnères AG, Vargo EL, Baudouin G, Xu Y, Labadie P, Dupont S, Dedeine F. Relationship between invasion success and colony breeding structure in a subterranean termite. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:2125-42. [PMID: 25641360 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Factors promoting the establishment and colonization success of introduced populations in new environments constitute an important issue in biological invasions. In this context, the respective role of pre-adaptation and evolutionary changes during the invasion process is a key question that requires particular attention. This study compared the colony breeding structure (i.e. number and relatedness among reproductives within colonies) in native and introduced populations of the subterranean pest termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. We generated and analysed a data set of both microsatellite and mtDNA loci on termite samples collected in three introduced populations, one in France and two in Chile, and in the putative source population of French and Chilean infestations that has recently been identified in New Orleans, LA. We also provided a synthesis combining our results with those of previous studies to obtain a global picture of the variation in breeding structure in this species. Whereas most native US populations are mainly composed of colonies headed by monogamous pairs of primary reproductives, all introduced populations exhibit a particular colony breeding structure that is characterized by hundreds of inbreeding reproductives (neotenics) and by a propensity of colonies to fuse, a pattern shared uniquely with the population of New Orleans. These characteristics are comparable to those of many invasive ants and are discussed to play an important role during the invasion process. Our finding that the New Orleans population exhibits the same breeding structure as its related introduced populations suggests that this native population is pre-adapted to invade new ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Perdereau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR 7261 CNRS - Université François-Rabelais, UFR Sciences, Parc Grandmont, Tours, 37200, France
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Chouvenc T, Basille M, Li HF, Su NY. Developmental instability in incipient colonies of social insects. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113949. [PMID: 25423502 PMCID: PMC4244189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Social insect colonies can provide homeostatic conditions that buffer the incidence of environmental fluctuations on individuals, which have contributed to their ecological success. Coptotermes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) is a highly invasive termite genus and several species have important economic impact in many areas of the world. Mature Coptotermes colonies with millions of individuals can provide optimal environmental condition and nurturing capacity for the developing brood. However, it was previously suggested that contrary to mature colonies, incipient colonies may be exposed to critical stress, which may explain for the low success rate of establishment within the first year of the life of a termite colony. We here investigated the stress imposed on individuals of incipient colonies by comparing the developmental instability of individuals between incipient and mature colonies of two Coptotermes species, C. formosanus Shiraki and C. gestroi (Wasmann). We assessed the developmental instability by measuring the asymmetry of morphological traits from the head capsule of the soldier caste. Soldiers from incipient colonies of both species displayed strong asymmetrical traits in comparison to soldiers from mature colonies. We suggest that homeostatic conditions for optimal development are reached as the colony matures, and confirmed that the incipient colony remains a critical bottleneck where individuals are exposed to high developmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Chouvenc
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mathieu Basille
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
| | - Hou-Feng Li
- Entomology Department, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Su
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
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Termite queens close the sperm gates of eggs to switch from sexual to asexual reproduction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:17212-7. [PMID: 25404335 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1412481111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Males and females are in conflict over genetic transmission in the evolution of parthenogenesis, because it enhances female reproductive output but deprives the males' genetic contribution. For males, any trait that coerces females into sexual reproduction should increase their fitness. However, in the termite Reticulitermes speratus, queens produce their replacements (neotenic queens) parthenogenetically while using normal sexual reproduction to produce other colony members. Here, we show that termite queens produce parthenogenetic offspring in the presence of kings by closing the micropyles (sperm gates; i.e., openings for sperm entry) of their eggs. Our field survey showed that termite eggs show large variation in numbers of micropyles, with some having none. Microsatellite analysis showed that embryos of micropyleless eggs develop parthenogenetically, whereas those of eggs with micropyles are fertilized and develop sexually. Surveys of eggs among queens of different age groups showed that queens begin to lay micropyleless eggs when they are older and thus, need to produce their replacements parthenogenetically. In addition, we found clear seasonality in new neotenic queen differentiation and micropyleless egg production. This micropyle-dependent parthenogenesis is the first identification, to our knowledge, of the mechanism through which females control egg fertilization over time in diploid animals, implying a novel route of the evolution of parthenogenesis in favor of female interests without interference from males.
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Effects of caste on the expression of genes associated with septic injury and xenobiotic exposure in the Formosan subterranean termite. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105582. [PMID: 25141339 PMCID: PMC4139394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As social insects, termites live in densely populated colonies with specialized castes under conditions conducive to microbial growth and transmission. Furthermore, termites are exposed to xenobiotics in soil and their lignocellulose diet. Therefore, termites are valuable models for studying gene expression involved in response to septic injury, immunity and detoxification in relation to caste membership. In this study, workers and soldiers of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, were challenged by bacterial injection or by no-choice feeding with a sublethal concentration (0.5%) of phenobarbital. Constitutive and induced expression of six putative immune response genes (two encoding for lectin-like proteins, one for a ficolin-precursor, one for the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule, one for a chitin binding protein, and one for the gram-negative binding protein 2) and four putative detoxification genes (two encoding for cytochrome P450s, one for glutathione S-transferase, and one for the multi antimicrobial extrusion protein), were measured via quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and compared within and among 1) colonies, 2) treatment types and 3) castes via ANOVA. Eight genes were inducible by septic injury, feeding with phenobarbital or both. Colony origin had no effect on inducibility or differential gene expression. However, treatment type showed significant effects on the expression of the eight inducible genes. Caste effects on expression levels were significant in five of the eight inducible genes with constitutive and induced expression of most target genes being higher in workers than in soldiers.
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66
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Sex ratio biases in termites provide evidence for kin selection. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2048. [PMID: 23807025 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inclusive fitness theory, also known as kin selection theory, is the most general expansion of Darwin's natural selection theory. It is supported by female-biased investment by workers in the social Hymenoptera where relatedness to sisters is higher than to brothers because of haplodiploidy. However, a strong test of the theory has proven difficult in diploid social insects because they lack such relatedness asymmetry. Here we show that kin selection can result in sex ratio bias in eusocial diploids. Our model predicts that allocation will be biased towards the sex that contributes more of its genes to the next generation when sex-asymmetric inbreeding occurs. The prediction matches well with the empirical sex allocation of Reticulitermes termites where the colony king can be replaced by a queen's son. Our findings open broad new avenues to test inclusive fitness theory beyond the well-studied eusocial Hymenoptera.
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Luchetti A, Scicchitano V, Mantovani B. Origin and evolution of the Italian subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus (Blattodea, Termitoidae, Rhinotermitidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2013; 103:734-741. [PMID: 23883615 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485313000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The Holarctic genus Reticulitermes shows seven species within the Mediterranean Basin. While phylogeny and systematics at continental level has been deeply investigated, a few studies concentrated on local ranges. To gain a clearer picture of the diversity and evolution of the Italian species Reticulitermes lucifugus, we analyzed the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (COII) gene marker in newly collected colonies across the Peninsula. Data were gathered with all R. lucifugus sequences available from previous studies; COII sequences of the closely related Iberian taxa were also added to the data set. Maximum-likelihood, median-joining and statistical parsimony network elaborations on the resulting 119 colonies all agreed in indicating that: (i) the Sardo-Corsican subspecies R. lucifugus corsicus, strictly related to Southern Italian populations (including the Sicilian ones), is phylogenetically closer to the Iberian Reticulitermes grassei; and (ii) R. lucifugus lucifugus peninsular populations are structured into three clusters. The phylogenetic relationships and the biogeography of extant taxa suggest a scenario in which R. lucifugus ancestors colonized the Italian region through the Sardo-Corsican microplate during its Oligocene-Miocene anticlockwise rotation. Moreover, well after the colonization took place, northward range expansion might have produced the presently observed genetic diversity, as inferred from haplotype and nucleotide diversity estimates. On the whole, this study highlights the evolution of Italian Reticulitermes taxa and supports the importance of a wide taxon sampling especially when dealing with organisms easily dispersed by human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Luchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali - Università di Bologna, via Selmi 3-40126 Bologna, Italy
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68
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King JR, Warren RJ, Bradford MA. Social insects dominate eastern US temperate hardwood forest macroinvertebrate communities in warmer regions. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75843. [PMID: 24116079 PMCID: PMC3792987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Earthworms, termites, and ants are common macroinvertebrates in terrestrial environments, although for most ecosystems data on their abundance and biomass is sparse. Quantifying their areal abundance is a critical first step in understanding their functional importance. We intensively sampled dead wood, litter, and soil in eastern US temperate hardwood forests at four sites, which span much of the latitudinal range of this ecosystem, to estimate the abundance and biomass m(-2) of individuals in macroinvertebrate communities. Macroinvertebrates, other than ants and termites, differed only slightly among sites in total abundance and biomass and they were similar in ordinal composition. Termites and ants were the most abundant macroinvertebrates in dead wood, and ants were the most abundant in litter and soil. Ant abundance and biomass m(-2) in the southernmost site (Florida) were among the highest values recorded for ants in any ecosystem. Ant and termite biomass and abundance varied greatly across the range, from <1% of the total macroinvertebrate abundance (in the northern sites) to >95% in the southern sites. Our data reveal a pronounced shift to eusocial insect dominance with decreasing latitude in a temperate ecosystem. The extraordinarily high social insect relative abundance outside of the tropics lends support to existing data suggesting that ants, along with termites, are globally the most abundant soil macroinvertebrates, and surpass the majority of other terrestrial animal (vertebrate and invertebrate) groups in biomass m(-2). Our results provide a foundation for improving our understanding of the functional role of social insects in regulating ecosystem processes in temperate forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. King
- Biology Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Warren
- Biology Department, SUNY Buffalo State, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Bradford
- Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Husseneder C, Garner SP, Huang Q, Booth W, Vargo EL. Characterization of microsatellites for population genetic analyses of the fungus-growing termite Odontotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Termitidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 42:1092-1099. [PMID: 24331620 DOI: 10.1603/en13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The fungus-growing subterranean termite Odontotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Termitidae) is a destructive pest in Southeast Asia. To facilitate studies on the biology, ecology, and control of O. formosanus, we isolated and characterized nine novel microsatellite loci from a mixed partial genomic library of O. formosanus and the sympatric Macrotermes barneyi Light enriched for di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide repeats. We screened these loci in three populations of O. formosanus from China. All loci were polymorphic. Three loci showed heterozygote deficit possibly because of the presence of null alleles. The remaining six loci with 4-15 alleles per locus and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.15-0.60 across populations were used for population genetic analysis. Populations from different provinces (Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Hubei) were genetically differentiated, but the genetic distance between populations was surprisingly small (FST: 0.03-0.08) and the gene flow was considerable (Nem: 3-8), despite the geographical distance being >300 km. Genetic diversity within populations was low (allelic richness: 5.1-6.3) compared with other subterranean dwelling termites, but consistent with the diversity in species of the family Termitidae. Microsatellite markers developed for O. formosanus will allow further studies to examine the phylogeography, population genetic and colony breeding structure, dispersal ranges, and size of foraging territories in this and closely related species, as well as aid in assessing treatment success.
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70
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Sharma VL, Singla M, Sobti RC. Phylogenetic position of Indian termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) with their respective genera inferred from DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I compared to subunit II. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 384:39-45. [PMID: 23959773 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1779-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present work was aimed to investigate the phylogenetic analysis of different species of Indian termites belonging to the family termitidae based on mitochondrial genes COI and COII. The sequences so obtained from public database revealed grouping of termites according to their ecological distribution. The sequences of the species under investigation were characterized on the basis of frequencies of nucleotide bases and in most of the species, a significantly high percentage of A+T base composition was observed. Phylogenetic tree revealed positioning of species according to the analysis of their cytochrome oxidase subunits.
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71
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Hanna C, Cook ED, Thompson AR, Dare LE, Palaski AL, Foote D, Goodisman MAD. Colony social structure in native and invasive populations of the social wasp Vespula pensylvanica. Biol Invasions 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-013-0517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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72
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Huang Q, Li G, Husseneder C, Lei C. Genetic analysis of population structure and reproductive mode of the termite Reticulitermes chinensis snyder. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69070. [PMID: 23894408 PMCID: PMC3718804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder is an important pest of trees and buildings in China. Here, we characterized genetic structure and reproductive modes of R. chinensis from China for the first time. A total of 1,875 workers from 75 collection sites in Huanggang, Changsha and Chongqing cities were genotyped at eight microsatellite loci. Analysis of genetic clusters showed two subpopulations in Chongqing city. The Huanggang population showed a uniform genetic pattern and was separated from the other populations by the largest genetic distances (F ST: 0.17-0.20). In contrast, smaller genetic distances (F ST: 0.05-0.12) separated Changsha, Chongqing-1 and Chongqing-2 populations. Chongqing-1 was the only population showing a genetic bottleneck. Isolation by distance among colonies in the Huanggang population indicated limited alate dispersal or colony budding. Lack of isolation by distance among colonies within the populations of Changsha, Chongqing-1 and Chongqing-2, suggested long-range dispersal by alates and/or human-mediated transport. Overall, extended family colonies (73.91%) were predominant in all four populations, followed by simple (20.29%), and mixed family colonies (5.80%). Most simple families were headed by inbred related reproductive pairs in the Changsha population, while most simple families in the Chongqing-1 population were headed by outbred unrelated pairs. Simple families in the Huanggang population were a mixture of colonies headed by outbred or inbred reproductive pairs. The sample size of simple families in the Chongqing-2 population was too small to yield significant results. Extended families in all four populations were headed on the average by ≤10 neotenics. Mixed families likely originated from pleometrosis. Presence of heterozygote genotypes showed that all neotenic reproductives collected in addition from five field colonies in Wuhan city were sexually produced, suggesting that these colonies did not undergo parthenogenesis. This study contributes to better understanding of the variance of genetic structure and reproductive mode in the genus Reticulitermes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying Huang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ganghua Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Claudia Husseneder
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
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73
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Luchetti A, Dedeine F, Velonà A, Mantovani B. Extreme genetic mixing within colonies of the wood-dwelling termiteKalotermes flavicollis(Isoptera, Kalotermitidae). Mol Ecol 2013; 22:3391-402. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Luchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche; Geologiche e Ambientali - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna; via Selmi 3 Bologna 40126 Italy
| | - F. Dedeine
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte; UMR CNRS 7261; Faculté des Sciences; Université de Tours; Parc de Grandmont Tours 37 200 France
| | - A. Velonà
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche; Geologiche e Ambientali - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna; via Selmi 3 Bologna 40126 Italy
| | - B. Mantovani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche; Geologiche e Ambientali - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna; via Selmi 3 Bologna 40126 Italy
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74
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Abstract
Costs and benefits of pleometrosis, as understood from social Hymenoptera, have never been tested in the independently evolved termites. To understand the extent to which such co-founding may be advantageous for colony survival and growth, we tracked the survival and reproduction of 5000 laboratory-established incipient colonies of the facultatively polygamous neotropical termite Nasutitermes corniger. Significantly more pleometrotic groups than monogamous queen-king pairs failed within the first 90 days of establishment, and 99 per cent of pleometrotic groups lost at least one founding member. Oviposition commenced earlier in larger groups, but colony growth was slower and production of workers and soldiers was delayed compared with pairs. Thus, pleometrosis does not increase colony fitness and is in fact highly disadvantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara R Hartke
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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75
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Boucias DG, Cai Y, Sun Y, Lietze VU, Sen R, Raychoudhury R, Scharf ME. The hindgut lumen prokaryotic microbiota of the termiteReticulitermes flavipesand its responses to dietary lignocellulose composition. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:1836-53. [PMID: 23379767 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Drion G. Boucias
- Department of Entomology and Nematology; University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32610-3622 USA
| | - Yunpeng Cai
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology; Chinese Academy of Science; Shenzhen China
| | - Yijun Sun
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research; University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32610-3622 USA
| | - Verena-Ulrike Lietze
- Department of Entomology and Nematology; University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32610-3622 USA
| | - Ruchira Sen
- Department of Entomology; Purdue University; West Lafayette IN 47907-2089 USA
| | | | - Michael E. Scharf
- Department of Entomology; Purdue University; West Lafayette IN 47907-2089 USA
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76
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Li G, Gao Y, Sun P, Lei C, Huang Q. Factors affecting mate choice in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J ETHOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-013-0363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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77
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Vargo EL, Leniaud L, Swoboda LE, Diamond SE, Weiser MD, Miller DM, Bagnères AG. Clinal variation in colony breeding structure and level of inbreeding in the subterranean termitesReticulitermes flavipesandR. grassei. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:1447-62. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward L. Vargo
- Department of Entomology; W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology; North Carolina State University; Campus Box 7613 Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Laurianne Leniaud
- I.R.B.I. CNRS UMR 7261; Faculté des Sciences et Techniques; Université François Rabelais; Parc de Grandmont 37200 Tours France
| | - Lois E. Swoboda
- Department of Entomology; Virginia Tech University; Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Sarah E. Diamond
- Department of Biology; North Carolina State University; Campus Box 7617 Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Michael D. Weiser
- Department of Biology; North Carolina State University; Campus Box 7617 Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Dini M. Miller
- Department of Entomology; Virginia Tech University; Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Anne-Geneviève Bagnères
- I.R.B.I. CNRS UMR 7261; Faculté des Sciences et Techniques; Université François Rabelais; Parc de Grandmont 37200 Tours France
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78
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Kamiya T, Poulin R. Caste ratios affect the reproductive output of social trematode colonies. J Evol Biol 2012; 26:509-16. [PMID: 23252707 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Intraspecific phenotypic diversification in social organisms often leads to formation of physical castes which are morphologically specialized for particular tasks within the colony. The optimal caste allocation theory argues that specialized morphological castes are efficient at specific tasks, and hence different caste ratios should affect the ergonomic efficiency, hence reproductive output of the colony. However, the reproductive output of different caste ratios has been documented in few species of insects with equivocal support for the theory. This study investigated whether the ratios of nonreproductive and reproductive morphs affect the reproductive output of a recently discovered social trematode, Philophthalmus sp., in which the nonreproductive members are hypothesized to be defensive specialists. A census of natural infections and a manipulative in vitro experiment demonstrated a positive association between the reproductive output of trematode colonies and the ratio of nonreproductive to reproductive morphs in the presence of an intra-host trematode competitor, Maritrema novaezealandensis. On the contrary, without the competitor, reproductive output was negatively associated with the proportion of nonreproductive castes in colonies. Our findings demonstrate for the first time a clear fitness benefit associated with the nonreproductive castes in the presence of a competitor while illustrating the cost of maintaining such morphs in noncompetitive situations. Although the proximate mechanisms controlling caste ratio remain unclear in this trematode system, this study supports the prediction that the fitness of colonies is influenced by the composition of specialized functional morphs in social organisms, suggesting a potential for adaptive shifts of caste ratios over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kamiya
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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79
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Perdereau E, Bagnères A‐G, Bankhead‐Dronnet S, Dupont S, Zimmermann M, Vargo EL, Dedeine F. Global genetic analysis reveals the putative native source of the invasive termite,Reticulitermes flavipes,in France. Mol Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Perdereau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR CNRS 7261 Faculté des Sciences Université de Tours Parc de Grandmont 37200, Tours France
| | - A. ‐G. Bagnères
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR CNRS 7261 Faculté des Sciences Université de Tours Parc de Grandmont 37200, Tours France
| | - S. Bankhead‐Dronnet
- UFR‐Faculté des Sciences UPRES EA 1207 Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC) Université d'Orléans rue de Chartres BP 6759 F‐45067Orléans France
| | - S. Dupont
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR CNRS 7261 Faculté des Sciences Université de Tours Parc de Grandmont 37200, Tours France
| | - M. Zimmermann
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR CNRS 7261 Faculté des Sciences Université de Tours Parc de Grandmont 37200, Tours France
| | - E. L. Vargo
- Department of Entomology Campus Box 7613 North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7613 USA
| | - F. Dedeine
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR CNRS 7261 Faculté des Sciences Université de Tours Parc de Grandmont 37200, Tours France
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80
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Huang Q, Sun P, Zhou X, Lei C. Characterization of head transcriptome and analysis of gene expression involved in caste differentiation and aggression in Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki). PLoS One 2012; 7:e50383. [PMID: 23209730 PMCID: PMC3510212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The subterranean termite Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is a serious insect pest of trees and dams in China. To date, very little is known about genomic or transcriptomic data for caste differentiation and aggression in O. formosanus. Hence, studies on transcriptome and gene expression profiling are helpful to better understand molecular basis underlying caste differentiation and aggressive behavior in O. formosanus. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using the Illumina sequencing, we obtained more than 57 million sequencing reads derived from the heads of O. formosanus. These reads were assembled into 116,885 unique sequences (mean size = 536 bp). Of the unigenes, 30,646 (26.22%) had significant similarity with proteins in the NCBI nonredundant protein database and Swiss-Prot database (E-value<10(-5)). Of these annotated unigenes, 10,409 and 9,009 unigenes were assigned to gene ontology categories and clusters of orthologous groups, respectively. In total, 19,611 (25.52%) unigenes were mapped onto 242 pathways using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database (KEGG). A total of 11,661 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were predicted from the current transcriptome database. Moreover, we detected seven putative genes involved in caste differentiation and six putative genes involved in aggression. The qPCR analysis showed that there were significant differences in the expression levels of the three putative genes hexamerin 2, β-glycosidase and bicaudal D involved in caste differentiation and one putative gene Cyp6a20 involved in aggression among workers, soldiers and larvae of O. formosanus. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the complete head transcriptome of a higher fungus-cultivating termite using high-throughput sequencing. Our study has provided the comprehensive sequence resources available for elucidating molecular basis underlying caste differentiation and aggressive behavior in O. formosanus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying Huang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengdong Sun
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Agricultural Science Center N, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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81
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Ugelvig LV, Cremer S. Effects of social immunity and unicoloniality on host-parasite interactions in invasive insect societies. Funct Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Line V. Ugelvig
- IST Austria (Institute of Science and Technology Austria); Am Campus 1, A-3400 Klosterneuburg Austria
| | - Sylvia Cremer
- IST Austria (Institute of Science and Technology Austria); Am Campus 1, A-3400 Klosterneuburg Austria
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82
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Evans TA, Forschler BT, Grace JK. Biology of invasive termites: a worldwide review. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 58:455-474. [PMID: 23020620 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The number of recognized invasive termite species has increased from 17 in 1969 to 28 today. Fourteen species have been added to the list in the past 44 years; 10 have larger distributions and 4 have no reported change in distribution, and 3 species are no longer considered invasive. Although most research has focused on invasive termites in urban areas, molecular identification methods have answered questions about certain species and found that at least six species have invaded natural forest habitats. All invasive species share three characteristics that together increase the probability of creating viable propagules: they eat wood, nest in food, and easily generate secondary reproductives. These characteristics are most common in two families, the Kalotermitidae and Rhinotermitidae (which make up 21 species on the invasive termite list), particularly in three genera, Cryptotermes, Heterotermes, and Coptotermes (which together make up 16 species). Although it is the largest termite family, the Termitidae (comprising 70% of all termite species) have only two invasive species, because relatively few species have these characteristics. Islands have double the number of invasive species that continents do, with islands in the South Pacific the most invaded geographical region. Most invasive species originate from Southeast Asia. The standard control methods normally used against native pest termites are also employed against invasive termites; only two eradication attempts, in South Africa and New Zealand, appear to have been successful, both against Coptotermes species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Evans
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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83
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Cronin AL, Molet M, Doums C, Monnin T, Peeters C. Recurrent evolution of dependent colony foundation across eusocial insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 58:37-55. [PMID: 22934981 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The spectacular success of eusocial insects can be attributed to their sophisticated cooperation, yet cooperation is conspicuously absent during colony foundation when queens are alone. Selection against this solitary stage has led to a dramatically different strategy in thousands of eusocial insect species in which colonies are started by groups of nestmates and the benefits of sociality are retained continuously. Dependent colony foundation (DCF) evolved recurrently multiple times across the ants, bees, and wasps, though its prevalence in termites remains unclear. We review adaptations at both the colony level (reproductive investment shifts from sexuals to workers) and the individual level (wingless queens evolve in ants), and other consequences for life history (invasiveness, parasite transmission). Although few studies have focused on DCF, the accumulated data from anecdotal reports, supported by indirect information including morphology, population genetics, and colony demographics, make it clear that this strategy is more diverse and widespread than is usually recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Cronin
- Laboratoire Écologie & Évolution CNRS UMR 7625, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 75 005 Paris, France.
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84
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Hu J, Forschler BT. Neotenic Phenotype and Sex Ratios Provide Insight into Developmental Pathways in Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). INSECTS 2012; 3:538-52. [PMID: 26466543 PMCID: PMC4553610 DOI: 10.3390/insects3020538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several thousand Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) including worker, nymph, soldier, neotenic and alate castes were collected from three pine logs brought into the laboratory on dates five years apart. The neotenics, all nymphoid, were divided into three groups based on the extent of cuticle pigmentation and termed regular neotenics (RN), black-headed neotenics (BHN) or black neotenics (BN). All castes, from Log A, in 2008, provided a neutral sex ratio except BHN (N = 378) and BN (N = 51) which were exclusively male while the soldiers (N = 466) were female-biased. This information suggests that there is a sex-linked bifurcation along the path for termite development with a male-biased neotenic or female-biased soldier as the choice. In contrast, termites collected in 2004 from Log B provided sex ratios that included a female biased RN (N = 1017), a neutral soldier (N = 258) and male biased BHN (N = 99) and workers (N = 54). Log C, collected in 2009, provided female biased soldiers (N = 32), RNs (N = 18) and BHNs (N = 4) and only male BN (N = 5). Eight laboratory cultures, ranging in age from five to 14 years old, also were sampled and all castes sexed. The census included a 14-year old queen-right colony, an 8-year old polyandrous colony and six colonies provided nymphs and male-biased worker populations. Together these data indicate a flexible caste determination system providing a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the flexible developmental options available in R. flavipes that we discuss relative to the literature on Reticulitermes ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hu
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Brian T Forschler
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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85
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Matsuura K. Multifunctional queen pheromone and maintenance of reproductive harmony in termite colonies. J Chem Ecol 2012; 38:746-54. [PMID: 22623152 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-012-0137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pheromones are likely involved in all social activities of social insects including foraging, sexual behavior, defense, nestmate recognition, and caste regulation. Regulation of the number of fertile queens requires communication between reproductive and non-reproductive individuals. Queen-produced pheromones have long been believed to be the main factor inhibiting the differentiation of new reproductive individuals. However, since the discovery more than 50 years ago of the queen honeybee substance that inhibits the queen-rearing behavior of workers, little progress has been made in the chemical identification of inhibitory queen pheromones in other social insects. The recent identification of a termite queen pheromone and subsequent studies have elucidated the multifaceted roles of volatile pheromones, including functions such as a fertility signal, worker attractant, queen-queen communication signal, and antimicrobial agent. The proximate origin and evolutionary parsimony of the termite queen pheromone also are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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86
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Vargo EL, Parman V. Effect of fipronil on subterranean termite colonies (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in the field. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 105:523-532. [PMID: 22606823 DOI: 10.1603/ec11155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
To assess possible colony-level effects of fipronil, a commonly used nonrepellent termiticide, we conducted a field study of eight houses in the Raleigh, NC, area with infestations of the eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). We installed an extensive grid of in-ground monitoring stations on each property (mean = 68.6 monitors per property) and collected samples from these stations as well as from mud tubes in the structure and wood debris in the yard for approximately 6 mo. We genotyped all samples by using microsatellite markers to identify the number and locations of colonies present on each property. Houses were treated with either a full treatment (n = 5) or exterior/localized interior treatment (n = 3). After treatment, the monitors were checked monthly for 3 mo and then quarterly for 3 yr to track the fate of colonies. Wood debris in natural areas was checked semiannually for 3 yr. All 11 of the treated colonies (those attacking structures) disappeared within 90 d of treatment and were not found again. These colonies were presumed to be eliminated. In contrast, 60% of untreated colonies (those located > 6 m from the foundation wall at the time of treatment) continued to persist throughout the study, as did 25% of the likely treated colonies (those occupying monitors 0.5 m from the foundation wall where the treatment was applied). Our results provide strong evidence for potent colony wide effects of fipronil on subterranean termites leading to colony suppression and likely colony elimination under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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87
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Owens CB, Su NY, Husseneder C, Riegel C, Brown KS. Molecular genetic evidence of formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) colony survivorship after prolonged inundation. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 105:518-522. [PMID: 22606822 DOI: 10.1603/ec11150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Levee breaches because of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 inundated 80% of the city of New Orleans, LA. Formosan subterranean termites were observed actively foraging within in-ground monitoring stations within months after this period of flooding. It was unknown if the activity could be attributed to preexisting colonies that survived inundation or to other colonies surviving flooding by being located at higher elevations readily invading these territories. Genotypic profiles of 17 termite colonies collected from eight inundated locations before flooding were compared with termite colonies after flooding from the same locations to determine Formosan subterranean termite survival after sustained flooding. Results indicate that 14 colonies were able to survive inundation for extended periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie B Owens
- City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board, 2100 Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA.
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88
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Reticulitermes nelsonae, a New Species of Subterranean Termite (Rhinotermitidae) from the Southeastern United States. INSECTS 2012; 3:62-90. [PMID: 26467949 PMCID: PMC4553617 DOI: 10.3390/insects3010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 12/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Reticulitermes nelsonae, a new species of Rhinotermitidae (Isoptera) is described based on specimens from Sapelo Island, GA, Thomasville, GA, Havelock, NC, and Branford, FL. Adult (alate) and soldier forms are described. Diagnostic characters are provided and incorporated into a supplemental couplet of a dichotomous key to the known species of Reticulitermes found in Georgia, USA.
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89
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90
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Husseneder C, McGregor C, Lang RP, Collier R, Delatte J. Transcriptome profiling of female alates and egg-laying queens of the Formosan subterranean termite. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2011; 7:14-27. [PMID: 22079412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Termites are known to have an extraordinary reproductive plasticity and capacity, but the underlying genetic patterns of termite reproductive biology are relatively understudied. The goal of this study was to identify genes for which expression levels differ between dealated precopulatory females (virgins) and egg-laying queens of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. We constructed a normalized polyphenic expressed sequence tag (EST) library that represents genomic material from most of the castes and life stages of the Formosan subterranean termite. Microarrays were designed using probes from this EST library and public genomic resources. Virgin females and queens were competitively hybridized to these microarrays and differentially expressed candidate genes were identified. Differential expression of eight genes was subsequently confirmed via reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR). When compared to virgins, queens had higher expression of genes coding for proteins related to immunity (gram negative binding protein), nutrition (e.g., termite-derived endo-beta-1,4-glucanase), protein storage, regulation of caste differentiation and reproduction (hexamerin, juvenile hormone binding protein). Queens also had higher transcript levels for genes involved in metabolism of xenobiotics, fat, and juvenile hormone (glutathione-S-transferase-like proteins, and cytochrome P450), among others. In particular, hexamerin, juvenile hormone binding protein, and a cytochrome P450 from the 4C subfamily are likely to be involved in initiating the inactive period during the reproductive cycle of the queen. Vice versa, virgins had higher expression than queens of genes related to respiration, probably due to recent flight activity, and several genes of unknown function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Husseneder
- Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Department of Entomology, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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91
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Yamamoto Y, Matsuura K. Genetic influence on caste determination underlying the asexual queen succession system in a termite. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1249-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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92
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Genetic diversity and colony breeding structure in native and introduced ranges of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus. Biol Invasions 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-011-0087-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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93
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Vargo EL, Labadie PE, Matsuura K. Asexual queen succession in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes virginicus. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 279:813-9. [PMID: 21831899 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Termite colonies are founded by a pair of primary reproductives. In many species, including subterranean termites (family Rhinotermitidae), the primary king and queen can be succeeded by neotenic reproductives that are produced from workers or nymphs within the colony. It is generally believed that these neotenics inbreed within the colony, sometimes for many generations. Here, we show that primary queens of the North American subterranean termite, Reticulitermes virginicus, are replaced by numerous parthenogenetically produced female neotenics. We collected functional female neotenics from five colonies of R. virginicus in North Carolina and Texas, USA. Genetic analysis at eight microsatellite loci showed that 91-100% of the neotenics present within a colony were homozygous at all loci, indicating that they were produced through automictic parthenogenesis with terminal fusion. In contrast, workers, soldiers and alates were almost exclusively sexually produced by mating between the female neotenics and a single king. This is the second termite species shown to undergo asexual queen succession, a system first described in the Japanese species, Reticulitermes speratus. Thus, the conditional use of sexual and asexual reproduction to produce members of different castes may be widespread within Reticulitermes and possibly other subterranean termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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94
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Ghesini S, Luchetti A, Marini M, Mantovani B. The Non-LTR Retrotransposon R2 in Termites (Insecta, Isoptera): Characterization and Dynamics. J Mol Evol 2011; 72:296-305. [DOI: 10.1007/s00239-011-9430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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95
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Molecular characterization, genomic distribution and evolutionary dynamics of Short INterspersed Elements in the termite genome. Mol Genet Genomics 2010; 285:175-84. [PMID: 21184097 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-010-0595-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Short INterspersed Elements (SINEs) in invertebrates, and especially in animal inbred genomes such that of termites, are poorly known; in this paper we characterize three new SINE families (Talub, Taluc and Talud) through the analyses of 341 sequences, either isolated from the Reticulitermes lucifugus genome or drawn from EST Genbank collection. We further add new data to the only isopteran element known so far, Talua. These SINEs are tRNA-derived elements, with an average length ranging from 258 to 372 bp. The tails are made up by poly(A) or microsatellite motifs. Their copy number varies from 7.9 × 10(3) to 10(5) copies, well within the range observed for other metazoan genomes. Species distribution, age and target site duplication analysis indicate Talud as the oldest, possibly inactive SINE originated before the onset of Isoptera (~150 Myr ago). Taluc underwent to substantial sequence changes throughout the evolution of termites and data suggest it was silenced and then re-activated in the R. lucifugus lineage. Moreover, Taluc shares a conserved sequence block with other unrelated SINEs, as observed for some vertebrate and cephalopod elements. The study of genomic environment showed that insertions are mainly surrounded by microsatellites and other SINEs, indicating a biased accumulation within non-coding regions. The evolutionary dynamics of Talu~ elements is explained through selective mechanisms acting in an inbred genome; in this respect, the study of termites' SINEs activity may provide an interesting framework to address the (co)evolution of mobile elements and the host genome.
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96
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Husseneder C, Simms DM, Aluko GK, Delatte J. Colony breeding system influences cuticular bacterial load of Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) workers. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2010; 39:1715-1723. [PMID: 22182534 DOI: 10.1603/en09238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to test whether the breeding system and/or the degree of inbreeding of field colonies of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) influences bacterial load on the cuticle of foraging workers. We enumerated bacterial load on the cuticle of groups of workers foraging in 20 inground monitoring stations surrounding the French Market in New Orleans, LA, and identified bacteria species using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We used microsatellite genotyping to assign the 20 worker groups to seven simple family colonies (headed by a single pair of reproductives) and four extended family colonies (headed by multiple inbreeding reproductives) with a wide range of degrees of inbreeding. Workers from extended family colonies had a higher bacterial load than those from simple family colonies; however, bacterial load was not significantly correlated to the degree of inbreeding, possibly because of confounding factors in colony life history, such as age and/or size of colonies. Colonies with high bacterial load did not have a higher proportion of entomopathogens, and thus, bacterial load is not necessarily an indicator for disease risk. The majority of bacteria cultured from the cuticle of termites were soil bacteria with no known pathology against termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Husseneder
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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97
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Foraging choice and replacement reproductives facilitate invasiveness in drywood termites. Biol Invasions 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-010-9915-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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98
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Competition between invasive and indigenous species: an insular case study of subterranean termites. Biol Invasions 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-010-9906-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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99
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Fujita A, Watanabe H. Inconspicuous matured males of worker form are produced in orphaned colonies of Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and participate in reproduction. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 56:1510-1515. [PMID: 20438732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2009] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of neotenics is easily induced by orphaning the worker termites of Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe). Although it has previously been reported that the sex ratio of neotenics is female-biased, the background of this phenomenon and the gonad developmental process of workers in artificially orphaned colonies are unknown. Although both male and female conspicuous neotenics can emerge as a response to the orphaning of the colony, we observed that majority of the reproductive males that are formed do not molt into the neotenic morph and are therefore inconspicuous in the population. Participation of the inconspicuous reproductive males in sexual reproduction was confirmed by genetic analysis. Slight pigmentation of the abdominal sternites is the only characteristic of the inconspicuous reproductive males that enables them to be distinguished from normal male workers. The presence of the female ergatoid (one type of female neotenic) did not induce the production of inconspicuous reproductive males during the 12-week experiment time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Fujita
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Insect-Microbe Research Unit, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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100
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Li HF, Yang RL, Su NY. Interspecific competition and territory defense mechanisms of Coptotermes formosanus and Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2010; 39:1601-1607. [PMID: 22546458 DOI: 10.1603/en09262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and C. gestroi (Wasmann) are the most widely distributed species of the genus and occur sympatrically in the subtropics. Results of two bioassays in the current study showed that C. gestroi was more aggressive than C. formosanus. In the petri-dish bioassays, C. gestroi won most of the agonistic encounters over C. formosanus. In the two-dimensional foraging arena bioassays, over 73% tunnel interceptions observed in the 18 replications were caused by progressing tunnels of C. gestroi encountering the tunnels of C. formosanus. Tunnel interception of the two species resulted in minor agonistic interactions. Both species quickly buried the connected tunnel at multiple locations. Termite cadavers resulting from agonistic behavior appeared to have induced sand deposition that resulted in tunnel blockages and deterred reopening of these blockages. Sealing individual tunnels in response to encounters with other species acts to prevent further agonism and mortality, and on a broad scale, the aggregate of such blocked tunnels may come to define the borders between adjacent colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Feng Li
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3205 College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA.
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