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Antennal cropping during colony foundation in termites
Christine A Nalepa1, Theodore A Evans, Michael Lenz
1Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7613 USA.
Zookeys
|January 31, 2012
Summary
Termite founders often remove antennal segments, a behavior termed "antennal cropping." This study quantifies this widespread phenomenon across Australian termite species, revealing significant variations by family.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Animal Behavior
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Termite colony foundation involves complex behaviors, including antennal segment removal by reproductives.
- Existing literature uses terms like amputation or mutilation for this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and define "antennal cropping" as a standardized term for antennal segment removal in termites.
- To quantify the natural occurrence and variation of antennal cropping in Australian termites.
- To explore the biological significance of antennal cropping in colony foundation.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of antennal segment counts between alates (winged) and dealates (wingless) in 16 Australian termite species.
- Analysis of museum specimens and published data for Coptotermes gestroi.
- Statistical analysis to assess differences between sexes, species, and families.
Main Results:
- Dealates had significantly fewer antennal segments than alates in 14 out of 16 species.
- Antennal cropping levels did not differ significantly between sexes but varied by family (Kalotermitidae: 41.3%, Termitidae: 8.9%).
- Exceptions to segment reduction were observed in two Termitidae species.
Conclusions:
- Antennal cropping is a phylogenetically widespread and normal behavior in termites.
- This behavior significantly influences the conduct and physiology of the royal pair during colony initiation.
- The term "antennal cropping" provides a consistent descriptor for this significant behavioral aspect.
