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Sillam-Dussès D, Jandák V, Stiblik P, Delattre O, Chouvenc T, Balvín O, Cvačka J, Soulet D, Synek J, Brothánek M, Jiříček O, Engel MS, Bourguignon T, Šobotník J. Alarm communication predates eusociality in termites. Commun Biol 2023; 6:83. [PMID: 36681783 PMCID: PMC9867704 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04438-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) have evolved specialized defensive strategies for colony protection. Alarm communication enables workers to escape threats while soldiers are recruited to the source of disturbance. Here, we study the vibroacoustic and chemical alarm communication in the wood roach Cryptocercus and in 20 termite species including seven of the nine termite families, all life-types, and all feeding and nesting habits. Our multidisciplinary approach shows that vibratory alarm signals represent an ethological synapomorphy of termites and Cryptocercus. In contrast, chemical alarms have evolved independently in several cockroach groups and at least twice in termites. Vibroacoustic alarm signaling patterns are the most complex in Neoisoptera, in which they are often combined with chemical signals. The alarm characters correlate to phylogenetic position, food type and hardness, foraging area size, and nesting habits. Overall, species of Neoisoptera have developed the most sophisticated communication system amongst termites, potentially contributing to their ecological success.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sillam-Dussès
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Vojtěch Jandák
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stiblik
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Olivier Delattre
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Thomas Chouvenc
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314, USA
| | - Ondřej Balvín
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Cvačka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Delphine Soulet
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jiří Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Brothánek
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Jiříček
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 1501 Crestline Drive-Suite 140, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045, USA.
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic.
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2
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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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4
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Buček A, Wang M, Šobotník J, Hellemans S, Sillam-Dussès D, Mizumoto N, Stiblík P, Clitheroe C, Lu T, González Plaza JJ, Mohagan A, Rafanomezantsoa JJ, Fisher B, Engel MS, Roisin Y, Evans TA, Scheffrahn R, Bourguignon T. Molecular phylogeny reveals the past transoceanic voyages of drywood termites (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae). Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6577226. [PMID: 35511685 PMCID: PMC9113494 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Termites are major decomposers in terrestrial ecosystems and the second most diverse lineage of social insects. The Kalotermitidae form the second-largest termite family and are distributed across tropical and subtropical ecosystems, where they typically live in small colonies confined to single wood items inhabited by individuals with no foraging abilities. How the Kalotermitidae have acquired their global distribution patterns remains unresolved. Similarly, it is unclear whether foraging is ancestral to Kalotermitidae or was secondarily acquired in a few species. These questions can be addressed in a phylogenetic framework. We inferred time-calibrated phylogenetic trees of Kalotermitidae using mitochondrial genomes of ∼120 species, about 27% of kalotermitid diversity, including representatives of 21 of the 23 kalotermitid genera. Our mitochondrial genome phylogenetic trees were corroborated by phylogenies inferred from nuclear ultraconserved elements derived from a subset of 28 species. We found that extant kalotermitids shared a common ancestor 84 Ma (75–93 Ma 95% highest posterior density), indicating that a few disjunctions among early-diverging kalotermitid lineages may predate Gondwana breakup. However, most of the ∼40 disjunctions among biogeographic realms were dated at <50 Ma, indicating that transoceanic dispersals, and more recently human-mediated dispersals, have been the major drivers of the global distribution of Kalotermitidae. Our phylogeny also revealed that the capacity to forage is often found in early-diverging kalotermitid lineages, implying the ancestors of Kalotermitidae were able to forage among multiple wood pieces. Our phylogenetic estimates provide a platform for critical taxonomic revision and future comparative analyses of Kalotermitidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Buček
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - M Wang
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - J Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S Hellemans
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - D Sillam-Dussès
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, UR 4443, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - N Mizumoto
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - P Stiblík
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - C Clitheroe
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - T Lu
- Tomer Lu, Total Hadbara Israel
| | - J J González Plaza
- International Research Centre in Critical Raw Materials-ICCRAM, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| | - A Mohagan
- Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon 8710, Philippines.,Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon 8710, Philippines
| | - J J Rafanomezantsoa
- Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - B Fisher
- Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,California Academy of the Sciences, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - M S Engel
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.,Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Y Roisin
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - T A Evans
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth WA 6009, Australia
| | - R Scheffrahn
- Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, 3205 College Avenue, Davie, Florida 33314, USA
| | - T Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.,Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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5
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Marins A, Cristaldo PF, Paiva LR, Miramontes O, DeSouza O. A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e03316. [PMID: 34730713 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.03316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marins
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Departamento de Entomologia, Laboratório de Termitologia, Viçosa, MG, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Departamento de Solos, Viçosa, MG, Brasil
| | - P F Cristaldo
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Departamento de Entomologia, Laboratório de Termitologia, Viçosa, MG, Brasil.,Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Departamento de Agronomia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia, Laboratório de Insetos Sinantrópicos, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - L R Paiva
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Departamento de Entomologia, Laboratório de Termitologia, Viçosa, MG, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei - UFSJ, Ouro Branco, MG, Brasil
| | - O Miramontes
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Física, Departamento de Sistemas Complejos, Ciudad de México, México.,Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad - C3, Ciudad de México, México
| | - O DeSouza
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Departamento de Entomologia, Laboratório de Termitologia, Viçosa, MG, Brasil
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6
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Akassou I, Avosani S, Caorsi V, Verrastro V, Ciolli M, Mazzoni V. Intrasexual Vibrational Behavior of Philaenus spumarius in Semi-Field Conditions. INSECTS 2021; 12:584. [PMID: 34203353 PMCID: PMC8306748 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Insects that communicate by vibrational signals live in a complex interactive network of communication. Most studies on insect intrasexual behavior, based on plant-borne vibrational signals, have targeted few individuals. Despite their importance, behaviors that occur within groups were often overlooked. The study of multiple individuals, when insects occur in high density could simulate the environment in which they live and provide more reliable information on their behavior. In semi-field conditions, we investigated the intrasexual behavior of the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius. Vibrational signals exchanged among individuals of the same sex were recorded throughout their adult stage, from late spring to early autumn, and during the day, from the morning to the evening using a laser vibrometer. Males were less active than females throughout the season and their interactions were less frequent compared to females. Intrasexual interactions were characterized by signal overlapping in both unisex groups, in addition to signal alternating only in the case of males. In conclusion, the study of signaling behavior in intrasexual groups contributed to a better understanding of P. spumarius social behavior. We discuss the hypothesis of a possible competitive behavior between males and cooperative behavior between females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane Akassou
- DICAM Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.A.); (M.C.)
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Mach 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy; (V.C.); (V.M.)
- CIHEAM—IAMB International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies, Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Bari, Italy;
| | - Sabina Avosani
- DICAM Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.A.); (M.C.)
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Mach 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy; (V.C.); (V.M.)
| | - Valentina Caorsi
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Mach 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy; (V.C.); (V.M.)
- C3A, Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Verrastro
- CIHEAM—IAMB International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies, Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Bari, Italy;
| | - Marco Ciolli
- DICAM Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.A.); (M.C.)
- C3A, Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Valerio Mazzoni
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Mach 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy; (V.C.); (V.M.)
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Morphometric Analysis of Coptotermes spp. Soldier Caste (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in Indonesia and Evidence of Coptotermes gestroi Extreme Head-Capsule Shapes. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050477. [PMID: 34065535 PMCID: PMC8160883 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Linear and geometric morphometrics approaches were conducted to analyze the head capsule (HC) shape of collected soldier caste specimens of Coptotermes from various locations in Indonesia. The soldiers' morphology was observed and measured. The results of the principal component analysis of the group of all species showed two important groups of variables, i.e., the body size and setae characteristics of the pronotum and head. The multicollinearity of the morphometric variables showed the importance of body measurements as well as important alternative characteristics such as the pronotum setae (PrS) and HC setae. Four trends of HC shape were observed across the species. Interestingly, three extreme shapes were depicted by geometric morphometrics of the C. gestroi HC. The phylogenetic tree inferred from 12S and 16S mitochondrial gene fragments showed high confidence for C. gestroi populations. The lateral expansion of the posterior part of the HC across the species was in accordance with the increasing of the number of hairlike setae on the pronotum and HC. These differences among species might be associated with mandible-force-related defensive labor and sensitivity to environmental stressors.
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8
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Mankin R, Hagstrum D, Guo M, Eliopoulos P, Njoroge A. Automated Applications of Acoustics for Stored Product Insect Detection, Monitoring, and Management. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12030259. [PMID: 33808747 PMCID: PMC8003406 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary A variety of different acoustic devices has been commercialized for detection of hidden insect infestations in stored products, trees, and soil, including a recently introduced device demonstrated in this report to successfully detect rice weevil immatures and adults in grain. Several of the systems have incorporated digital signal processing and statistical analyses such as neural networks and machine learning to distinguish targeted pests from each other and from background noise, enabling automated monitoring of the abundance and distribution of pest insects in stored products, and potentially reducing the need for chemical control. Current and previously available devices are reviewed in the context of the extensive research in stored product insect acoustic detection since 2011. It is expected that further development of acoustic technology for detection and management of stored product insect pests will continue, facilitating automation and decreasing detection and management costs. Abstract Acoustic technology provides information difficult to obtain about stored insect behavior, physiology, abundance, and distribution. For example, acoustic detection of immature insects feeding hidden within grain is helpful for accurate monitoring because they can be more abundant than adults and be present in samples without adults. Modern engineering and acoustics have been incorporated into decision support systems for stored product insect management, but with somewhat limited use due to device costs and the skills needed to interpret the data collected. However, inexpensive modern tools may facilitate further incorporation of acoustic technology into the mainstream of pest management and precision agriculture. One such system was tested herein to describe Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adult and larval movement and feeding in stored grain. Development of improved methods to identify sounds of targeted pest insects, distinguishing them from each other and from background noise, is an active area of current research. The most powerful of the new methods may be machine learning. The methods have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the types of background noise and the signal characteristic of target insect sounds. It is likely that they will facilitate automation of detection and decrease costs of managing stored product insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mankin
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE), Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-352-374-5774
| | - David Hagstrum
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA;
| | - Min Guo
- School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China;
| | | | - Anastasia Njoroge
- Tropical Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Homestead, FL 33031, USA;
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9
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Silva ANF, Silva CR, Santos REC, Arce CCM, Araújo APA, Cristaldo PF. Resource selection in nasute termite: The role of social information. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Nascimento Filgueira Silva
- Synanthropic Insect Laboratory Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco Recife Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Entomology Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco Recife Brazil
| | - Cátila Regina Silva
- Synanthropic Insect Laboratory Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco Recife Brazil
| | - Renan Edson Campelo Santos
- Synanthropic Insect Laboratory Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco Recife Brazil
| | - Carla Cristina Marques Arce
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology University of Neuchâtel Neuchâtel Switzerland
| | - Ana Paula Albano Araújo
- Ecological Interactions Laboratory Post Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation Federal University of Sergipe São Cristóvão Brazil
| | - Paulo Fellipe Cristaldo
- Synanthropic Insect Laboratory Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco Recife Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Entomology Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco Recife Brazil
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Abstract
Effective communication is essential in animal life to allow fundamental behavioral processes and survival. Communicating by surface-borne vibrations is likely the most ancient mode of getting and exchanging information in both invertebrates and vertebrates. In this review, we concentrate on the use of vibrational communication in arthropods as a form of intraspecific and interspecific signaling, with a focus on the newest discoveries from our research group in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea), a taxon never investigated before in this context. After getting little attention in the past, biotremology is now an emerging field of study in animal communication, and it is receiving increased interest from the scientific community dealing with these behavioral processes. In what follows, we illustrate the general principles and mechanisms on which biotremology is based, using definitions, examples, and insights from the literature in arthropods. Vibrational communication in arthropods has mainly been studied in insects and arachnids. For these taxa, much evidence of its use as a source of information from the surrounding environment exists, as well as its involvement in many behavioral roles, such as courtship and mating, conspecific recognition, competition, foraging, parental care, and danger perception. Recently, and for the first time, communication through surface-borne waves has been studied in terrestrial isopods, using a common Mediterranean species of the Armadillidae family as a pilot species, Armadillo officinalis Duméril, 1816. Mainly, for this species, we describe typical behavioral processes, such as turn alternation, aggregation, and stridulation, where vibrational communication appears to be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Cividini
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L693BX, UK.
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11
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Oberst S, Lai JC, Martin R, Halkon BJ, Saadatfar M, Evans TA. Revisiting stigmergy in light of multi-functional, biogenic, termite structures as communication channel. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:2522-2534. [PMID: 33005314 PMCID: PMC7516209 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Termite mounds are fascinating because of their intriguing composition of numerous geometric shapes and materials. However, little is known about these structures, or of their functionalities. Most research has been on the basic composition of mounds compared with surrounding soils. There has been some targeted research on the thermoregulation and ventilation of the mounds of a few species of fungi-growing termites, which has generated considerable interest from human architecture. Otherwise, research on termite mounds has been scattered, with little work on their explicit properties. This review is focused on how termites design and build functional structures as nest, nursery and food storage; for thermoregulation and climatisation; as defence, shelter and refuge; as a foraging tool or building material; and for colony communication, either as in indirect communication (stigmergy) or as an information channel essential for direct communication through vibrations (biotremology). Our analysis shows that systematic research is required to study the properties of these structures such as porosity and material composition. High resolution computer tomography in combination with nonlinear dynamics and methods from computational intelligence may provide breakthroughs in unveiling the secrets of termite behaviour and their mounds. In particular, the examination of dynamic and wave propagation properties of termite-built structures in combination with a detailed signal analysis of termite activities is required to better understand the interplay between termites and their nest as superorganism. How termite structures serve as defence in the form of disguising acoustic and vibration signals from detection by predators, and what role local and global vibration synchronisation plays for building are open questions that need to be addressed to provide insights into how termites utilise materials to thrive in a world of predators and competitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Oberst
- Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- School of Engineering and IT, University of New South Wales Canberra, Northcott Dr, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
| | - Joseph C.S. Lai
- School of Engineering and IT, University of New South Wales Canberra, Northcott Dr, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
| | - Richard Martin
- Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Benjamin J. Halkon
- Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Mohammad Saadatfar
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Australian National University, 58-60 Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Theodore A. Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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12
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Cividini S, Sfenthourakis S, Montesanto G. Are terrestrial isopods able to use stridulation and vibrational communication as forms of intra and interspecific signaling and defense strategies as insects do? A preliminary study in Armadillo officinalis. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 107:4. [PMID: 31823077 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The capability of producing sounds and vibrations is well known in insects and is thought to be a form of intra- and interspecific communication. Sounds and vibrations are used and modulated for several aims such as interacting with conspecifics, getting information from the environment, and defending against predators. This phenomenon is less known but also present in other arthropods, including a few roller-type terrestrial isopods. In this study, we used a Y-shape test apparatus to investigate the behavior of adult individuals of Armadillo officinalis Duméril, 1816 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) when exposed to two particular vibrational stimuli, namely species-specific stridulations and non-specific substrate-borne vibrations. Our results showed that adults of A. officinalis significantly react to the presence of both types of vibrational stimuli, by moving away from the vibrational source as if they experienced these vibrations as a sign of danger or disturbance. A. officinalis can produce stridulations only when it rolls into a ball during the so-called conglobation, a possible defense mechanism against predators. Stridulation might thus be a secondary form of defense used during conglobation to deter a predator following contact with it and might be experienced as an alert by conspecifics nearby. The high sensitivity to non-specific substrate-borne vibrations might provide A. officinalis with the possibility to anticipate dangers and adverse conditions, giving it a better chance of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Cividini
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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13
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Oberst S, Lai JCS, Evans TA. Key physical wood properties in termite foraging decisions. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:20180505. [PMID: 30958236 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As eusocial and wood-dwelling insects, termites have been shown to use vibrations to assess their food, to eavesdrop on competitors and predators and to warn nest-mates. Bioassay choice experiments used to determine food preferences in animals often consider single factors only but foraging decisions can be influenced by multiple factors such as the quantity and quality of the food and the wood as a medium for communication. A statistical analysis framework is developed here to design a single bioassay experiment to study multifactorial foraging choice ( Pinus radiata) in the basal Australian termite species Coptotermes ( C.) acinaciformis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). By employing a correlation analysis, 17 measured physical properties of 1417 Pinus radiata veneer discs were reduced to five key material properties: density, moisture absorption, early wood content, first resonance frequency and damping. By applying a fuzzy c-means clustering technique, these veneer discs were optimally paired for treatment and control trials to study food preference by termites based on these five key material properties. A multifactorial analysis of variance was compared to a permutation analysis of the results indicating for the first time that C. acinaciformis takes into account multiple factors when making foraging decisions. C. acinaciformis prefer denser wood with large early wood content, preferably humid and highly damped. Results presented here have practical implications for food choice experiments and for studies concerned with communication in termites as well as their ecology and coevolution with trees as their major food source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Oberst
- 1 Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibrations, School of Software, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales 2007 , Australia
| | - Joseph C S Lai
- 2 Acoustics and Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 , Australia
| | - Theodore A Evans
- 3 School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia 6009 , Australia
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14
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Evans TA, Kasseney BD. The Dominance Hierarchy of Wood-Eating Termites from China. INSECTS 2019; 10:E210. [PMID: 31323742 PMCID: PMC6681200 DOI: 10.3390/insects10070210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Competition is a fundamental process in ecology and helps to determine dominance hierarchies. Competition and dominance hierarchies have been little investigated in wood-eating termites, despite the necessary traits of similar resources, and showing spatial and temporal overlap. Competition and dominance between five species of wood-eating termites found in Huangzhou, China, was investigated in three laboratory experiments of aggression and detection, plus a year-long field survey of termite foraging activity. Dominance depended on body size, with largest species winning overwhelmingly in paired contests with equal numbers of individuals, although the advantage was reduced in paired competitions with equal biomass. The termites could detect different species from used filter papers, as larger species searched through paper used by smaller species, and smaller species avoided papers used by larger species. The largest species maintained activity all year, but in low abundance, whereas the second largest species increased activity in summer, and the smallest species increased their activity in winter. The termite species displayed a dominance hierarchy based on fighting ability, with a temporal change in foraging to avoid larger, more dominant species. The low abundance of the largest species, here Macrotermes barneyi, may be a function of human disturbance, which allows subordinate species to increase. Thus, competitive release may explain the increase in abundance of pest species, such as Coptotermes formosanus, in highly modified areas, such as urban systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Boris Dodji Kasseney
- Laboratory of Applied Entomology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, BP 1515 Lomé 01, Togo
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15
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Hamel JA, Cocroft RB. Maternal Vibrational Signals Reduce the Risk of Attracting Eavesdropping Predators. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Ecological Drivers of Species Distributions and Niche Overlap for Three Subterranean Termite Species in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10010033. [PMID: 30669589 PMCID: PMC6359368 DOI: 10.3390/insects10010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In both managed and unmanaged forests, termites are functionally important members of the dead-wood-associated (saproxylic) insect community. However, little is known about regional-scale environmental drivers of geographic distributions of termite species, and how these environmental factors impact co-occurrence among congeneric species. Here we focus on the southern Appalachian Mountains-a well-known center of endemism for forest biota-and use Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) to examine the distributions of three species of Reticulitermes termites (i.e., R. flavipes, R. virginicus, and R. malletei). To overcome deficiencies in public databases, ENMs were underpinned by field-collected high-resolution occurrence records coupled with molecular taxonomic species identification. Spatial overlap among areas of predicted occurrence of each species was mapped, and aspects of niche similarity were quantified. We also identified environmental factors that most strongly contribute to among-species differences in occupancy. Overall, we found that R. flavipes and R. virginicus showed significant niche divergence, which was primarily driven by dry-season precipitation. Also, all three species were most likely to co-occur in the mid-latitudes of the study area (i.e., northern Alabama and Georgia, eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina), which is an area of considerable topographic complexity. This work provides important baseline information for follow-up studies of local-scale drivers of these species' distributions. It also identifies specific geographic areas where future assessments of the frequency of true syntopy vs. micro-allopatry, and associated interspecific competitive interactions, should be focused.
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17
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Ferreira DV, Cristaldo PF, Rocha MLC, Santana DL, Santos L, Lima PSS, Araújo APA. Attraction and vibration: Effects of previous exposure and type of food resource in the perception of allocolonial odors in termites. Ethology 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dinamarta V. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Interações Ecológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
| | - Paulo F. Cristaldo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Agricultura e Biodiversidade; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
| | - Marcos L. C. Rocha
- Laboratório de Interações Ecológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
| | - Daniela L. Santana
- Laboratório de Interações Ecológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
| | - Lucineide Santos
- Laboratório de Interações Ecológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
| | - Paulo S. S. Lima
- Laboratório de Interações Ecológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
| | - Ana P. A. Araújo
- Laboratório de Interações Ecológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; São Cristóvão-SE Brazil
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18
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Xiong H, Chen X, Wen Y, Layne M, Sun Z, Ma T, Wen X, Wang C. Escaping and repairing behaviors of the termite Odontotermes formosanus (Blattodea: Termitidae) in response to disturbance. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4513. [PMID: 29576978 PMCID: PMC5858535 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The escaping behavior of termites has been documented under laboratory conditions; however, no study has been conducted in a field setting due to the difficulty of observing natural behaviors inside wood or structures (e.g., nests, tunnels, etc.). The black-winged termite, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki), is a subterranean macrotermitine species which builds extensive mud tubes on tree trunks. In the present study, 41 videos (totaling ∼2,700 min) were taken on 22 colonies/subcolonies of O. formosanus after their mud tubes were partially damaged by hand. In general, termites consistently demonstrated three phases of escape, including initiation (wandering near the mud-tube breach), individual escaping (single termites moving downward), and massive, unidirectional escaping flows (groups of termites moving downward). Downward moving and repairing were the dominant behavioral activities of individuals and were significantly more frequent than upward moving, turning/backward moving, or wandering. Interestingly, termites in escaping flows moved significantly faster than escaping individuals. Repairing behavior was observed shortly after the disturbance, and new mud tubes were preferentially constructed from the bottom up. When predators (i.e., ants) were present, however, termites stopped moving and quickly sealed the mud-tube openings by capping the broken ends. Our study provides an interesting example that documents an animal (besides humans) simultaneously carrying out pathway repairs and emergency evacuation without congestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongpeng Xiong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Yuzhen Wen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Michael Layne
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Zhaohui Sun
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiujun Wen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cai Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovation Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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19
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Wen XL, Wen P, Dahlsjö CAL, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. Breaking the cipher: ant eavesdropping on the variational trail pheromone of its termite prey. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.0121. [PMID: 28446695 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Predators may eavesdrop on their prey using innate signals of varying nature. In regards to social prey, most of the prey signals are derived from social communication and may therefore be highly complex. The most efficient predators select signals that provide the highest benefits. Here, we showed the use of eusocial prey signals by the termite-raiding ant Odontoponera transversaO. transversa selected the trail pheromone of termites as kairomone in several species of fungus-growing termites (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae: Odontotermes yunnanensis, Macrotermes yunnanensis, Ancistrotermes dimorphus). The most commonly predated termite, O. yunnanensis, was able to regulate the trail pheromone component ratios during its foraging activity. The ratio of the two trail pheromone compounds was correlated with the number of termites in the foraging party. (3Z)-Dodec-3-en-1-ol (DOE) was the dominant trail pheromone component in the initial foraging stages when fewer termites were present. Once a trail was established, (3Z,6Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol (DDE) became the major recruitment component in the trail pheromone and enabled mass recruitment of nest-mates to the food source. Although the ants could perceive both components, they revealed stronger behavioural responses to the recruitment component, DDE, than to the common major component, DOE. In other words, the ants use the trail pheromone information as an indication of suitable prey abundance, and regulate their behavioural responses based on the changing trail pheromone component. The eavesdropping behaviour in ants therefore leads to an arms race between predator and prey where the species specific production of trail pheromones in termites is targeted by predatory ant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lan Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204 Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Wen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cecilia A L Dahlsjö
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- IRD - Sorbonne Universités, iEES-Paris, U 242, Bondy, France.,University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, LEEC, EA 4443, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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20
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Oberst S, Bann G, Lai JCS, Evans TA. Cryptic termites avoid predatory ants by eavesdropping on vibrational cues from their footsteps. Ecol Lett 2017; 20:212-221. [PMID: 28111901 DOI: 10.1111/ele.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Eavesdropping has evolved in many predator-prey relationships. Communication signals of social species may be particularly vulnerable to eavesdropping, such as pheromones produced by ants, which are predators of termites. Termites communicate mostly by way of substrate-borne vibrations, which suggest they may be able to eavesdrop, using two possible mechanisms: ant chemicals or ant vibrations. We observed termites foraging within millimetres of ants in the field, suggesting the evolution of specialised detection behaviours. We found the termite Coptotermes acinaciformis detected their major predator, the ant Iridomyrmex purpureus, through thin wood using only vibrational cues from walking, and not chemical signals. Comparison of 16 termite and ant species found the ants-walking signals were up to 100 times higher than those of termites. Eavesdropping on passive walking signals explains the predator detection and foraging behaviours in this ancient relationship, which may be applicable to many other predator-prey relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Oberst
- Acoustics & Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia.,CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Clunies Ross Street, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Glen Bann
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Joseph C S Lai
- Acoustics & Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Theodore A Evans
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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21
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Foragers of sympatric Asian honey bee species intercept competitor signals by avoiding benzyl acetate from Apis cerana alarm pheromone. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6721. [PMID: 28751766 PMCID: PMC5532208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
While foraging, animals can form inter- and intraspecific social signalling networks to avoid similar predators. We report here that foragers of different native Asian honey bee species can detect and use a specialized alarm pheromone component, benzyl acetate (BA), to avoid danger. We analysed the volatile alarm pheromone produced by attacked workers of the most abundant native Asian honey bee, Apis cerana and tested the responses of other bee species to these alarm signals. As compared to nest guards, A. cerana foragers produced 3.38 fold higher levels of BA. In foragers, BA and (E)-dec-2-en-1-yl acetate (DA) generated the strongest antennal electrophysiological responses. BA was also the only compound that alerted flying foragers and inhibited A. cerana foraging. BA thereby decreased A. cerana foraging for risky sites. Interestingly, although BA occurs only in trace amounts and is nearly absent in sympatric honeybee species (respectively only 0.07% and 0.44% as much in A. dorsata and A. florea), these floral generalists detected and avoided BA as strongly as they did to their own alarm pheromone on natural inflorescences. These results demonstrate that competing pollinators can take advantage of alarm signal information provided by other species.
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22
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Tian L, Preisser EL, Haynes KF, Zhou X. Social buffering in a eusocial invertebrate: termite soldiers reduce the lethal impact of competitor cues on workers. Ecology 2017; 98:952-960. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Tian
- Department of Entomology University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky 40546 USA
| | - Evan L. Preisser
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island 02881 USA
| | - Kenneth F. Haynes
- Department of Entomology University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky 40546 USA
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky 40546 USA
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23
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Cristaldo PF, Rodrigues VB, Elliot SL, Araújo AP, DeSouza O. Heterospecific detection of host alarm cues by an inquiline termite species (Blattodea: Isoptera: Termitidae). Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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24
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Binz H, Kraft EF, Entling MH, Menzel F. Behavioral response of a generalist predator to chemotactile cues of two taxonomically distinct prey species. CHEMOECOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-016-0215-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Resource availability influences aggression and response to chemical cues in the Neotropical termite Nasutitermes aff. coxipoensis (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Oberst S, Lai JCS, Evans TA. Termites utilise clay to build structural supports and so increase foraging resources. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20990. [PMID: 26854187 PMCID: PMC4745099 DOI: 10.1038/srep20990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Many termite species use clay to build foraging galleries and mound-nests. In some cases clay is placed within excavations of their wooden food, such as living trees or timber in buildings; however the purpose for this clay is unclear. We tested the hypotheses that termites can identify load bearing wood, and that they use clay to provide mechanical support of the load and thus allow them to eat the wood. In field and laboratory experiments, we show that the lower termite Coptotermes acinaciformis, the most basal species to build a mound-nest, can distinguish unloaded from loaded wood, and use clay differently when eating each type. The termites target unloaded wood preferentially, and use thin clay sheeting to camouflage themselves while eating the unloaded wood. The termites attack loaded wood secondarily, and build thick, load-bearing clay walls when they do. The termites add clay and build thicker walls as the load-bearing wood is consumed. The use of clay to support wood under load unlocks otherwise unavailable food resources. This behaviour may represent an evolutionary step from foraging behaviour to nest building in lower termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Oberst
- Acoustics &Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, ADFA, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.,CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Clunies Ross Street, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Joseph C S Lai
- Acoustics &Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, ADFA, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Theodore A Evans
- Acoustics &Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, ADFA, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.,School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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27
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Bourguignon T, Chisholm RA, Evans TA. The Termite Worker Phenotype Evolved as a Dispersal Strategy for Fertile Wingless Individuals before Eusociality. Am Nat 2016; 187:372-87. [PMID: 26913949 DOI: 10.1086/684838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Termites are eusocial insects that evolved from solitary cockroaches. It is not known precisely what factors drove the evolution of termite eusociality, that is, skewed reproduction with distinct winged reproductive and wingless worker phenotypes. In other eusocial insects (bees and wasps), reproductive skew evolved first and phenotype differences evolved second. We propose that the reverse pattern occurred in termites, that is, that the winged-wingless diphenism evolved before eusociality. We discuss existing phylogenetic and pheromonal evidence supporting our hypothesis. We provide new experimental evidence from the most basal termite species (Mastotermes darwiniensis), suggesting that the ancestral state was indeed diphenic but presocial. We propose that the mechanism promoting a winged-wingless diphenism-in the absence of eusociality-was greater predation of aerial than terrestrial dispersers, and we support this with a game theoretic model. We augment our hypothesis with a novel explanation for the evolution of the developmental pathways leading to winged and wingless phenotypes in termites. An added benefit of our hypothesis is that it neatly explains the origin of termite eusociality itself: in the pre-eusocial ancestral species, the poor dispersal ability of the wingless phenotype would have led to clustering of relatives around shared resources-a prerequisite for nonparental care of close relatives.
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Cristaldo PF, Jandák V, Kutalová K, Rodrigues VB, Brothánek M, Jiříček O, DeSouza O, Šobotník J. The nature of alarm communication in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Termitoidea: Termitidae): the integration of chemical and vibroacoustic signals. Biol Open 2015; 4:1649-59. [PMID: 26538635 PMCID: PMC4736033 DOI: 10.1242/bio.014084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alarm signalling is of paramount importance to communication in all social insects. In termites, vibroacoustic and chemical alarm signalling are bound to operate synergistically but have never been studied simultaneously in a single species. Here, we inspected the functional significance of both communication channels in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), confirming the hypothesis that these are not exclusive, but rather complementary processes. In natural situations, the alarm predominantly attracts soldiers, which actively search for the source of a disturbance. Laboratory testing revealed that the frontal gland of soldiers produces a rich mixture of terpenoid compounds including an alarm pheromone. Extensive testing led to identification of the alarm pheromone being composed of abundant monoterpene hydrocarbons (1S)-α-pinene and myrcene, along with a minor component, (E)-β-ocimene. The vibratory alarm signalling consists of vibratory movements evidenced as bursts; a series of beats produced predominantly by soldiers. Exposing termite groups to various mixtures containing the alarm pheromone (crushed soldier heads, frontal gland extracts, mixture of all monoterpenes, and the alarm pheromone mixture made of standards) resulted in significantly higher activity in the tested groups and also increased intensity of the vibratory alarm communication, with the responses clearly dose-dependent. Lower doses of the pheromone provoked higher numbers of vibratory signals compared to higher doses. Higher doses induced long-term running of all termites without stops necessary to perform vibratory behaviour. Surprisingly, even crushed worker heads led to low (but significant) increases in the alarm responses, suggesting that other unknown compound in the worker's head is perceived and answered by termites. Our results demonstrate the existence of different alarm levels in termites, with lower levels being communicated through vibratory signals, and higher levels causing general alarm or retreat being communicated through the alarm pheromone. Summary: We inspected the functional significance of both vibroacoustic and chemical communication channels in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), confirming the hypothesis that these are not exclusive but rather complementary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo F Cristaldo
- Laboratório de Interações Ecológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, SE 49000-000, Brazil
| | - Vojtĕch Jandák
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 27 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Kutalová
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 165 21 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academic of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vinícius B Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Termitologia, Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Marek Brothánek
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 27 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Jiříček
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 27 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Og DeSouza
- Laboratório de Termitologia, Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 165 21 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic
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Binz H, Foitzik S, Staab F, Menzel F. The chemistry of competition: exploitation of heterospecific cues depends on the dominance rank in the community. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Oberst S, Evans TA, Lai JCS. Novel method for pairing wood samples in choice tests. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88835. [PMID: 24551173 PMCID: PMC3925169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Choice tests are a standard method to determine preferences in bio-assays, e.g. for food types and food additives such as bait attractants and toxicants. Choice between food additives can be determined only when the food substrate is sufficiently homogeneous. This is difficult to achieve for wood eating organisms as wood is a highly variable biological material, even within a tree species due to the age of the tree (e.g. sapwood vs. heartwood), and components therein (sugar, starch, cellulose and lignin). The current practice to minimise variation is to use wood from the same tree, yet the variation can still be large and the quantity of wood from one tree may be insufficient. We used wood samples of identical volume from multiple sources, measured three physical properties (dry weight, moisture absorption and reflected light intensity), then ranked and clustered the samples using fuzzy c-means clustering. A reverse analysis of the clustered samples found a high correlation between their physical properties and their source of origin. This suggested approach allows a quantifiable, consistent, repeatable, simple and quick method to maximize control over similarity of wood used in choice tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Oberst
- Acoustics & Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Theodore A. Evans
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joseph C. S. Lai
- Acoustics & Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia
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Elias DO, Mason AC. The Role of Wave and Substrate Heterogeneity in Vibratory Communication: Practical Issues in Studying the Effect of Vibratory Environments in Communication. ANIMAL SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-43607-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Vibrational Communication Networks: Eavesdropping and Biotic Noise. ANIMAL SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-43607-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Abstract
Food webs involving plants, herbivorous insects and their predators account for 75% of terrestrial biodiversity (Price 2002). Within the abundant arthropod community on plants, myriad ecological and social interactions depend on the perception and production of plant-borne mechanical vibrations (Hill 2008). Study of ecological relationships has shown, for example, that termites monitor the vibrations produced by competing colonies in the same tree trunk (Evans et al. 2009), that stink bugs and spiders attend to the incidental vibrations produced by insects feeding or walking on plants (Pfannenstiel et al. 1995, Barth 1998) and that caterpillars can distinguish among the foraging-related vibrations produced by their invertebrate predators (Castellanos & Barbosa 2006). Study of social interactions has revealed that many insects and spiders have evolved the ability to generate intricate patterns of substrate vibration, allowing them to communicate with potential mates or members of their social group (Cokl & Virant-Doberlet 2003; Hill 2008). Surprisingly, research on the role of substrate vibrations in social and ecological interactions has for the most part proceeded independently, in spite of evidence from other communication modalities – acoustic, visual, chemical and electrical – that predators attend to the signals of their prey (Zuk & Kolluru 1998; Stoddard 1999). The study by Virant-Doberlet et al. (2011) in this issue of Molecular Ecology now helps bring these two areas of vibration research together, showing that the foraging behaviour of a spider is influenced by the vibrational mating signals of its leafhopper prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald B Cocroft
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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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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Lichtenberg EM, Hrncir M, Turatti IC, Nieh JC. Olfactory eavesdropping between two competing stingless bee species. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010; 65:763-774. [PMID: 21475736 PMCID: PMC3058493 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-1080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Foragers can improve search efficiency, and ultimately fitness, by using social information: cues and signals produced by other animals that indicate food location or quality. Social information use has been well studied in predator-prey systems, but its functioning within a trophic level remains poorly understood. Eavesdropping, use of signals by unintended recipients, is of particular interest because eavesdroppers may exert selective pressure on signaling systems. We provide the most complete study to date of eavesdropping between two competing social insect species by determining the glandular source and composition of a recruitment pheromone, and by examining reciprocal heterospecific responses to this signal. We tested eavesdropping between Trigona hyalinata and Trigona spinipes, two stingless bee species that compete for floral resources, exhibit a clear dominance hierarchy and recruit nestmates to high-quality food sources via pheromone trails. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of T. hyalinata recruitment pheromone revealed six carboxylic esters, the most common of which is octyl octanoate, the major component of T. spinipes recruitment pheromone. We demonstrate heterospecific detection of recruitment pheromones, which can influence heterospecific and conspecific scout orientation. Unexpectedly, the dominant T. hyalinata avoided T. spinipes pheromone in preference tests, while the subordinate T. spinipes showed neither attraction to nor avoidance of T. hyalinata pheromone. We suggest that stingless bees may seek to avoid conflict through their eavesdropping behavior, incorporating expected costs associated with a choice into the decision-making process. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00265-010-1080-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor M. Lichtenberg
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0116, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116 USA
| | - Michael Hrncir
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Bloco 7, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-901 São Paulo Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Av. Francisco Mota, 572, Mossoró, 59.625-900 Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Izabel C. Turatti
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-903 São Paulo Brazil
| | - James C. Nieh
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0116, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116 USA
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