Response of subterranean termites (Isoptera:Rhinotermitidae) to stressed nestmates

Download
(PDF; 960237)
Cite
Feedback
  • Authors: Shelton, T.G.; Grace, J.K.; Woodrow, R.J.; Oshiro, R.J.
  • Publication Year: 2011
  • Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL)
  • Source: J. Entomol. Sci. 46(4):284-291

Abstract

Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), R. virginicus Banks, and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were stressed by holding them at 25°C or 28°C, respectively, in metal pans for 5 d prior to introduction into 1 side of 3-jar arenas (3 containers connected serially) containing freshlycollected nestmates. After 14 d, mass loss of wooden blocks was determined for blocks from the arena side to which stressed termites were added (treated) as well as those from the opposite side (control). Feeding effects of termite exposure to stress were inconsistent among species. For R. flavipes, there was no significant difference in feeding; whereas loss of block mass on the treated side in R. virglnlcus arenas was significantly greater (P= 0.0017) than that on the control side of the arenas. For C. formosanus, mass loss of wafers also was significantly greater (P = 0.0284) on the treated side of the arenas, similar to the response 01 R. virginicus.

  • Citation: Shelton, T.G.; Grace, J.K.; Woodrow, R.J.; Oshiro, R.J. 2011. Response of subterranean termites (Isoptera:Rhinotermitidae) to stressed nestmates. J. Entomol. Sci. 46(4):284-291.
  • Keywords: disturbance, stress, feeding, termite, Reticulitermes, Coptotermes
  • Posted Date: January 11, 2012
  • Modified Date: May 3, 2012

    • Print Publications Are No Longer Available

    In an ongoing effort to be fiscally responsible, the Southern Research Station (SRS) will no longer produce and distribute hard copies of our publications. Many SRS publications are available at cost via the Government Printing Office (GPO). Electronic versions of publications may be downloaded, printed, and distributed.

    Publication Notes

    • This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.
    • Our online publications are scanned and captured using Adobe Acrobat. During the capture process some typographical errors may occur. Please contact the SRS webmaster if you notice any errors which make this publication unusable.
    • To view this article, download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.