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Cryoprotection in dampwood termites (Termopsidae, Isoptera).

Michael J Lacey1, Michael Lenz, Theodore A Evans

  • 1CSIRO Entomology, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Mike.Lacey@csiro.au

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|August 18, 2009
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Dampwood termites in cold climates survive freezing temperatures. These insects utilize cryoprotectants like trehalose and unsaturated fatty acids for cold adaptation.

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Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Zoology
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Dampwood termites (family Termopsidae) inhabit cold regions, experiencing frost and snow.
  • This suggests an adaptation to cold climates, unlike most termites.
  • This study investigates cold adaptation in two dampwood termite species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that dampwood termites are adapted to cold climates.
  • To identify cryoprotective mechanisms in Porotermes adamsoni and Stolotermes victoriensis.
  • To determine the role of specific metabolites in cold survival.

Main Methods:

  • Field monitoring of nest and ambient temperatures during winter.
  • Laboratory assessment of survival and recovery at subzero temperatures.
  • Gas chromatography analysis of metabolites (trehalose, unsaturated fatty acids) in winter and summer specimens.

Main Results:

  • Both P. adamsoni and S. victoriensis exhibited higher trehalose levels in winter.
  • S. victoriensis showed increased unsaturated fatty acid ligands in winter.
  • Species demonstrated survival and recovery at subzero temperatures, with defined activity thresholds and LT50 values.

Conclusions:

  • Dampwood termites are indeed adapted to cold climates.
  • Trehalose and unsaturated fatty acids serve as crucial cryoprotectants for these species.
  • Findings provide the first evidence of cold adaptation and specific cryoprotectants in dampwood termites.