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Yang W, Lu Y, He X, Wang L, Nie J, Saba NU, Su X, Xing L, Ye C. Antennal excision reveals disparate olfactory expression patterns within castes in Reticulitermes aculabialis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2024; 78:101326. [PMID: 38176178 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2023.101326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
In lower termites, which exhibit a high degree of compound eye degradation or absence, antennae play a pivotal role in information acquisition. This comprehensive study investigates the olfactory system of Reticulitermes aculabialis, spanning five developmental stages and three castes. Initially, we characterize the structures and distribution of antennal sensilla across different developmental stages. Results demonstrate variations in sensilla types and distributions among stages, aligning with caste-specific division of labor and suggesting their involvement in environmental sensitivity detection, signal differentiation, and nestmate recognition. Subsequently, we explore the impact of antennal excision on olfactory gene expression in various caste categories through transcriptomics, homology analysis, and expression profiling. Findings reveal that olfactory genes expression is influenced by antennal excision, with outcomes varying according to caste and the extent of excision. Finally, utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization, we precisely localize the expression sites of olfactory genes within the antennae. This research reveals the intricate and adaptable nature of the termite olfactory system, highlighting its significance in adapting to diverse ecological roles and demands of social living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohui He
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinjuan Nie
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Noor Us Saba
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lianxi Xing
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxu Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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Chen Q, Li S, Wang Y, Jia D, Wang Y, Ma R. Morphological Characterstics of the Sensilla in a Monophagous Insect: Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Halticinae). INSECTS 2023; 14:501. [PMID: 37367317 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the key natural enemy of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, an invasive weed worldwide. To understand the morphology of A. hygrophila and further explore the specific host localization mechanism, scanning electron microscopy was used to observe and study the morphological characteristics of sensilla on the head appendages, tarsi, and external genital segments of A. hygrophila. Twelve types and forty-six subtypes of sensilla were observed. These contain various types of head appendices, including sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconca, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, Böhm bristles, sensilla campaniform, sensilla terminal, sensilla dome, sensilla digit-like, sensilla aperture, and many subtypes. A new type of sensor was reported for the first time, which may be related to host plant recognition. This sensor was located on the distal segment of the maxillary palps of A. hygrophila and was named as sensilla petal-shaped based on its morphological characteristics. Sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, and sensilla basiconca are also found on the tarsi and external genital segments. In addition, sensilla basiconica 4, sensilla coeloconica 1 and 2, sensilla styloconica 2, Böhm bristles 2, and sensilla campaniform 1 were only found in females. On the contrary, sensilla styloconica 3, sensilla coeloconica 3, and sensilla dome were only found in males. Numbers and sizes of the sensilla were also different between males and females. The potential functions related to structure were discussed in comparison with previous investigations on beetles and other monophagous insects. Our results provide a microscopic morphological basis for further research on the localization and recognition mechanism of A. hygrophila and its obligate host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Science, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Dong Jia
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Yuanxin Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Ruiyan Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China
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Wikantyoso B, Imai T, Himmi SK, Yusuf S, Hata T, Yoshimura T. Ultrastructure and distribution of sensory receptors on the nonolfactory organs of the soldier caste in subterranean termite (Coptotermes spp.). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 70:101201. [PMID: 35994811 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The soldier caste of termites uses sensilla to sense pheromonal, tactile, and vibrational cues to communicate inside and outside their nest. Although sensilla with many modalities on the antennae of subterranean termites have been well explored, there remains a lack of information regarding sensillum characteristics and distribution of the nonolfactory organs of the soldier caste in the Coptotermes genus. In this study, the ultrastructure of sensilla from the soldier caste of three Coptotermes spp. (Coptotermes formosanus, Coptotermes curvignathus, and Coptotermes gestroi) was observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and the putative function of each type was deduced. Six total sensillum types were observed, with two mechanoreceptive sensillum types (hair and plate). The long flexible-peg mechanoreceptive sensilla may work as contact-chemoreceptive sensilla due to their elongated dendritic outer segments and uniporous characteristics. There was a significant depletion of mechano-chemoreceptive sensillum numbers in C. gestroi, which was compensated by a high density of short-peg mechanoreceptive sensilla on the pronotum. Finally, cuticular and innervation characteristics of thermo-/hygrosensitive sensilla were observed for the first time on the labrum of the soldier caste of Coptotermes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bramantyo Wikantyoso
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia.
| | - Tomoya Imai
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - S Khoirul Himmi
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Sulaeman Yusuf
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Toshimitsu Hata
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yoshimura
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
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Sansom TM, Oberst S, Richter A, Lai JCS, Saadatfar M, Nowotny M, Evans TA. Low radiodensity μCT scans to reveal detailed morphology of the termite leg and its subgenual organ. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 70:101191. [PMID: 35816830 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Termites sense tiny substrate-borne vibrations through subgenual organs (SGOs) located within their legs' tibiae. Little is known about the SGOs' structure and physical properties. We applied high-resolution (voxel size 0.45 μm) micro-computed tomography (μCT) to Australian termites, Coptotermes lacteus and Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill) to test two staining techniques. We compared the effectiveness of a single stain of Lugol's iodine solution (LS) to LS followed by Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) solutions (1% and 2%). We then present results of a soldier of Nasutitermes exitiosus combining μCT with LS + 2%PTS stains and scanning electron microscopy to exemplify the visualisation of their SGOs. The termite's SGO due to its approximately oval shape was shown to have a maximum diameter of 60 μm and a minimum of 48 μm, covering 60 ± 4% of the leg's cross-section and 90.4 ± 5% of the residual haemolymph channel. Additionally, the leg and residual haemolymph channel cross-sectional area decreased around the SGO by 33% and 73%, respectively. We hypothesise that this change in cross-sectional area amplifies the vibrations for the SGO. Since SGOs are directly connected to the cuticle, their mechanical properties and the geometric details identified here may enable new approaches to determine how termites sense micro-vibrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travers M Sansom
- University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Sebastian Oberst
- University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia; School of Engineering and IT, University of New South Wales Canberra, Northcott Dr, Campbell ACT, 2612, Australia.
| | - Adrian Richter
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Joseph C S Lai
- School of Engineering and IT, University of New South Wales Canberra, Northcott Dr, Campbell ACT, 2612, Australia
| | - Mohammad Saadatfar
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, Australia
| | - Manuela Nowotny
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Theodore A Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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Das KS, Marwein CB, Nonglait KCL, Choudhury S. Sensory structures on the antenna of soldier and worker castes of the termite species Odontotermes parvidens (Termitidae: Isoptera: Blattaria). Microsc Res Tech 2021; 85:956-970. [PMID: 34668271 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Odontotermes parvidens is a commonly found important pest species of termite that primarily feed on a range of cellulosic sources. In termites, communication among the nestmates is the basis of all their daily activities in termites and the sensory structures present on the sensory appendages play a crucial role in different social behaviors perceiving and processing various signals of the nestmates and external environments. So, it is essential to understand in detail their sensory structures in order to understand the sensory system of the species O. parvidens. Thus, we have studied the antenna which is one of the primary sensory appendages of both soldier and worker individuals of the species to elucidate various antennal sensory structures and their distribution using scanning electron microscopy. Based on the morphological features of various sensilla, we observed seven types of sensilla as sensilla chaetica (subtypes I, II, III, and IV), sensilla trichodea (subtypes I and II), sensilla trichodea curvata (subtypes I and II), sensilla basiconica, sensilla capitula, Böhm bristles, and sensilla campaniformia (subtypes I and II) along with numerous glandular pores on the antenna of soldier and worker castes. We have also discussed the putative functions of all the sensilla observed based on their external morphology and distributional characteristics on the antenna of soldier and worker castes of the species O. parvidens. Furthermore, the abundance of sensillar types on the antenna of both the castes has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khirod Sankar Das
- Entomology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
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Castillo P, Le N, Sun Q. Comparative Antennal Morphometry and Sensilla Organization in the Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Castes of the Formosan Subterranean Termite. INSECTS 2021; 12:576. [PMID: 34202744 PMCID: PMC8307099 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Antennae are the primary sensory organs in insects, where a variety of sensilla are distributed for the perception of the chemical environment. In eusocial insects, colony function is maintained by a division of labor between reproductive and non-reproductive castes, and chemosensation is essential for regulating their specialized social activities. Several social species in Hymenoptera display caste-specific characteristics in antennal morphology and diversity of sensilla, reflecting their differential tasks. In termites, however, little is known about how the division of labor is associated with chemosensory morphology among castes. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, we performed antennal morphometry and characterized the organization of sensilla in reproductive (female and male alates) and non-reproductive (worker and soldier) castes in the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Here, we show that the antennal sensilla in alates are twice as abundant as in workers and soldiers, along with the greater number of antennal segments and antennal length in alates. However, all castes exhibit the same types of antennal sensilla, including basiconicum, campaniformium, capitulum, chaeticum I, chaeticum II, chaeticum III, marginal, trichodeum I, and trichodeum I. The quantitative composition of sensilla diverges between reproductive and non-reproductive castes, but not between female and male alates or between worker and soldier castes. The sensilla display spatial-specific distribution, with basiconicum exclusively and capitulum predominantly found on the ventral side of antennae. In addition, the abundance of chemosensilla increases toward the distal end of antennae in each caste. This research provides morphological signatures of chemosensation and their implications for the division of labor, and suggests future neurophysiological and molecular studies to address the mechanisms of chemical communication in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qian Sun
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (P.C.); (N.L.)
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Fu BX, Rong NH, Hong J, Zhu ZR, Mo JC, Zhang D. Comparative study with scanning electron microscopy on the antennal sensilla of two main castes of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Blattaria:Rhinotermitidae). Micron 2019; 129:102777. [PMID: 31811977 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2019.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sensilla on antennae of the workers and soldiers of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were examined by scanning electron microscopy in this study. As the two castes were allocated totally different tasks in the termite colony, we wondered if there was a big difference between their antennae which were recognized as the main sensory appendages of insects. Therefore, detailed information about the morphology, distribution and abundance of various types of sensilla was described in this report. However, our results showed no obvious caste dimorphism was observed. The morphology of antennae and sensilla as well as the general sensilla distribution pattern did not differ between the workers and soldiers of C. formosanus. In total, seven types of sensilla including sensilla chaetica (I, II, III), Böhm bristles, sensilla campaniformia (I, II, III), sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea curvata and sensilla capitula were found on the antennae. Additionally, small apertures were found scattered randomly in the antennal cuticle. Functions of these sensilla or structures were proposed to be mechanoreceptors, chemo-receptors, thermo-hygroreceptors, co2-receptors etc. which probably play crucial roles in their various social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Xian Fu
- College of Agriculture and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin-an, Zhejiang 311300, PR China
| | - Nian-Hang Rong
- Center of Analysis and Measurement, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Jian Hong
- Center of Analysis and Measurement, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Zeng-Rong Zhu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Jian-Chu Mo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Dayu Zhang
- College of Agriculture and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin-an, Zhejiang 311300, PR China.
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Yanagawa A, Imai T, Akino T, Toh Y, Yoshimura T. Olfactory Cues from Pathogenic Fungus Affect the Direction of Motion of Termites, Coptotermes formosanus. J Chem Ecol 2015; 41:1118-26. [PMID: 26563202 PMCID: PMC4675792 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-015-0649-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus, tend to avoid pathogen odors when tested in Y-tube olfactometers, but approach and groom exposed nestmates to remove pathogens from their cuticle and maintain a healthy population. To better understand their differential reaction to pathogens and their odors, the relationship between odor cues and direction of motion was examined with the fungus Isaria fumosorosea K3 strain. The results indicate that nestmate odor was strongly attractive only in tests where fungal odors were present in both branches of the olfactometer. Termites generally avoid fungal odors when offered a choice without fungal odor. We also tested termite aversion to 3-octanone and 1-octen-3-ol, major surface chemical compounds of I. fumosorosea K3, and estimated the total mass of these compounds present on the conidial surface by direct extraction method. The total quantity of these chemicals on the surface of fungal conidia was estimated to be approximately 0.01 ng per 107 conidia. This study demonstrates a context dependent behavioral change in termites in response to the odors of pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Yanagawa
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Tomoya Imai
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Akino
- Laboratory of Applied Entomology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8354, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Toh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yoshimura
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
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Zhang Y, Ren L, Zhang L, Luo Y. Ultrastructure of antennal and posterior abdominal sensilla in Chlorophorus caragana females. Micron 2015; 75:45-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Antennal morphology and sensillar ultrastructure of Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae). Micron 2012; 43:921-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Nalepa CA, Evans TA, Lenz M. Antennal cropping during colony foundation in termites. Zookeys 2011:185-96. [PMID: 22287897 PMCID: PMC3264414 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.148.1854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature on pairing and mating behavior in termites indicates that a number of distal antennal segments in dealates of both sexes are often removed during colony foundation, with terms such as amputation, mutilation and cannibalism typically employed to report the phenomenon. Here we propose the use of the phrase 'antennal cropping' to describe the behavior, and assess naturally occurring levels of its occurrence by comparing the number of antennal segments in museum specimens of alates and dealates in 16 species of Australian termites (four families), supplemented by analyzing published data on Coptotermes gestroi. Dealates had significantly fewer antennal segments than alates in 14 of the 16 termite species, with both exceptions belonging to the family Termitidae. Levels of antennal cropping were not significantly different between the sexes but did vary by family. Dealates in the Kalotermitidae removed the most segments (41.3%) and those in the Termitidae removed the fewest (8.9%). We discuss the biological significance of this phylogenetically widespread termite behavior, and suggest that controlled antennal cropping is not only a normal part of their behavioral repertoire but also a key influence that changes the conduct and physiology of the royal pair during the initial stages of colony foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Nalepa
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7613 USA
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