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Trail-following in termites: Evidence for a multicomponent system.
M Kaib1, O Bruinsma, R H Leuthold
1International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|January 14, 2014
Summary
Termites follow trails from other species but prefer their own. This preference for conspecific trails can be overcome by diluting the pheromone, suggesting specific trail components guide species recognition in termites.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Chemical Ecology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Termite trail-following behavior is crucial for foraging and social cohesion.
- Previous research indicates sensitivity to trail-active extracts and natural trails across various termite species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specificity of termite trail-following behavior.
- To identify key chemical components involved in species-specific trail recognition.
Main Methods:
- Single-extract bioassays were conducted on several African termite species.
- Choice experiments were performed using conspecific and heterospecific trail extracts.
- Synthetic alcohols were tested to determine their trail activity.
Main Results:
- Termite species exhibited similar response thresholds to trail extracts, except for Hodotermes mossambicus.
- When presented with a choice, termites exclusively followed conspecific trails.
- Trail-following preference for conspecific trails could be reversed by diluting the extract (1:10).
- (Z)-3-dodecen-1-ol showed the highest sensitivity among tested synthetic alcohols.
Conclusions:
- Termite trails likely contain a general attractant (unsaturated C12 alcohol) and species-specific components.
- These specific components are essential for maintaining trail fidelity and conspecific recognition.
