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Extracting DNA from the Gut Microbes of the Termite (Zootermopsis Angusticollis) and Visualizing Gut Microbes
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Pathogen alarm behavior in a termite: A new form of communication in social insects

Rosengaus1, Jordan, Lefebvre

  • 1Biology Department, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Die Naturwissenschaften
|November 7, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Dampwood termites exhibit a unique "pathogen alarm behavior" when exposed to pathogenic fungus spores. Vibrational signals alert nestmates, prompting them to flee and avoid infection, thus reducing disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Chemical Ecology

Background:

  • Termites are social insects vulnerable to pathogens.
  • Disease transmission poses a significant risk to colony survival.
  • Communication mechanisms are crucial for termite colony defense.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the alarm response of dampwood termites to pathogenic fungus spores.
  • To determine the role of substrate vibrations in pathogen detection and avoidance.
  • To identify a novel communication mechanism for disease risk reduction in termites.

Main Methods:

  • Exposing termites (Zootermopsis angusticollis) to Metarhizium anisopliae spores.
  • Observing and analyzing termite vibratory displays.
  • Assessing the behavioral responses of unexposed nestmates to vibrational signals.
  • Differentiating responses to spores versus vibrations.

Main Results:

  • Termites exposed to high concentrations of M. anisopliae spores displayed a distinct vibratory signal.
  • Nestmates perceiving these vibrations significantly increased their distance from exposed individuals.
  • The fleeing response was triggered by substrate vibrations, not by spores or pheromones alone.
  • This behavior was identified as a pathogen alarm response.

Conclusions:

  • Dampwood termites possess a "pathogen alarm behavior" mediated by substrate vibrations.
  • This communication system allows termites to detect and avoid pathogen-infected nestmates.
  • The behavior serves to mitigate disease spread and reduce infection risk within the colony.

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