Behavioral Response of Two Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to Vibrational Stimuli |
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Authors: | Xing Ping Hu Arthur G Appel James F A Traniello |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849;(2) Biological Department, Boston University, 121 Bay State Road, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215 |
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Abstract: | Behavioral responses to vibrational stimuli were examined in two subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Termites habituated to vibrational stimulation when in social groups, but failed to do so individually, indicating
that habituation is a collective action. In assays on termite groups, both species demonstrated a similar pattern of behavioral
responses to vibrational stimuli: evanescent cessation of activity and movement, followed by withdrawal from the vibration
source. Groups of both species then gradually moved back toward the vibration source as a consequence of continuous exposure.
However, it took a significantly shorter period for C. formosanus to return (57 s) to the test arena and to resume (80 s) normal foraging activities in the test arena compared with R. flavipes, which took 97 and 227 s, respectively, when exposed to the vibration frequency of 120 bmpm. High vibration frequency (240
bmpm) increased the time required to return (C. formosanus, 80 s; R. flavipes, 153 s) and to resume regular locomotion (C. formosanus, 186 s; R. flavipes, 263 s). Our experiments demonstrate that workers play a crucial part in adjusting groups of termites to distressful vibrations.
Soldiers of R. flavipes demonstrated similar behavioral responses as workers, however, C. formosanus soldiers exhibited a transient positive response before withdrawal.
An erratum to this article is available at . |
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Keywords: | Coptotermes formosanus Reticulitermes flavipes learning habituation vibrational disturbance |
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