Characterization of Nasutitermes globiceps (Isoptera: Termitidae) Esterases

Esterases of Nasutitermes globiceps termites which occur on the Upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil) were characterized. The electrophoretic pattern of the termite esterases Nasutitermes globiceps was obtained by starch gel electrophoresis. Six esterase activity zones were obtained and numbered, with esterase-1 being the most anodall one and esterase-6 the most cathodal one. Esterase-2 was detected only with substrates derived from the 4-methylumbelliferyl radical. The esterases of N. globiceps present wide substrate specificity, having been observed with substrates derived from alpha-naphthyl (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) and beta-naphthyl (acetate, butyrate) and from 4-methylumbelliferyl (acetate, propionate and butyrate). Esterase-6 is a caste-specific enzyme detected in soldiers. Only esterases 1, 3 and 5 were detected in nymphs. No genetic polymorphism has been detected thus far in the esterases of Nasutitermes globiceps. This study suggests that allozyme variation can be explored to understand Nasutitermes social structure.     

Population structure and genetic diversity in insular populations of Nasutitermes takasagoensis (Isoptera: Termitidae) analyzed by AFLP markers

Dispersal ability and degree of inbreeding in a population can indirectly be assessed using genetic markers. In general, it was suggested that winged termites are not able to fly distances greater than several hundred meters. Here, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to analyze genetic diversity, population substructure, and gene flow among insular populations of the termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis (Isoptera: Termitidae) in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan. Samples were collected from 77 nests on seven islands of the Yaeyama Group. Using three primer combinations a total of 155 bands were generated with 78 (50%) polymorphic bands. Genetic distance and G(st) values among insular populations were calculated. Relatively high genetic diversity and low values of G (st), suggest there is moderate subpopulation structure. Based on these results, we discussed two possibilities; first, winged termites are able to fly over distances of several kilometers, and second, these results were obtained because insular populations share a recent common origin.     

Ergatoid reproductives in Nasutitermes columbicus (Isoptera,Termitidae)

Numerous functional ergatoid replacement reproductives were found in one colony of Nasutitermes columbicus in Panama. Their morphology was mainly workerlike, although several imaginal characters such as the compound eyes and variable wing buds were more or less developed. The sex organs were fully mature and the fat body of the females, not of the males, was of the “royal” type. The development of the eyes was not accompanied by the differentiation of the optic lobes of the brain, nor was the presence of wing buds correlated with a development of the wing muscles.     

Divergence times in the termite genus Macrotermes (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The evolution of fungus-growing termites is supposed to have started in the African rain forests with multiple invasions of semi-arid habitats as well as multiple invasions of the Oriental region. We used sequences of the mitochondrial COII gene and Bayesian dating to investigate the time frame of the evolution of Macrotermes, an important genus of fungus-growing termites. We found that the genus Macrotermes consists of at least 6 distantly related clades. Furthermore, the COII sequences suggested some cryptic diversity within the analysed African Macrotermes species. The dates calculated with the COII data using a fossilized termite mound to calibrate the clock were in good agreement with dates calculated with COI sequences using the split between Locusta and Chortippus as calibration point which supports the consistency of the calibration points. The clades from the Oriental region dated back to the early Tertiary. These estimates of divergence times suggested that Macrotermes invaded Asia during periods with humid climates. For Africa, many speciation events predated the Pleistocene and fall in range of 6-23 million years ago. These estimates suggest that savannah-adapted African clades radiated with the spread of the semi-arid ecosystems during the Miocene. Apparently, events during the Pleistocene were of little importance for speciation within the genus Macrotermes. However, further investigations are necessary to increase the number of taxa for phylogenetic analysis.     

Open-Air Litter Foraging in the Nasute Termite Longipeditermes longipes (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The Southeast Asian nasute termite Longipeditermes longipes forages on the open ground on leaf litter. Its monomorphic workers carry back food balls in their mandibles while dimorphic soldiers defensively surround the marching columns and the foraging patches. When mechanically disturbed, workers hide under the litter, whereas antennating soldiers face as closely as possible the source of disturbance. Foragers prefer the lower, nitrogen-rich layer of the litter. Soldier behavior and column organization (returning workers in the center lanes, outgoing workers in the two flanking lanes) are similar to those in the related genera Hospitalitermes and Lacessititermes, which, however, tend to forage above ground.     

Purified Cladonia verticillaris lichen lectin: Insecticidal activity on Nasutitermes corniger (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Cladonia verticillaris lichen lectin (ClaveLL) was isolated through Sephadex G-100 gel filtration chromatography and characterized as a pure lectin through ÄKTA-FPLC and HPLC systems. The lichen extract (LE), protein fraction (F₁) and ClaveLL were assayed to evaluate their potential insecticidal and/or repellence activities on termite Nasutitermes corniger. LE, F₁ and ClaveLL were evaluated for hemagglutinating activity (HA), protein concentration and presence of secondary metabolites; preparations and active ClaveLL, free of secondary metabolites, were able to induce termite mortality. ClaveLL LC₅₀ values after 10 days for workers and soldiers were 0.196 and 0.5 mg ml^?1, respectively. C. verticillaris preparations are potential tools for researches involving control of termites (or other insects) of economic interest to wooden industry or agriculture as well as preservation of plant species that are targets of termites or other plagues.     

Localization of symbiotic clostridia in the mixed segment of the termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis (Shiraki)

Phylogeny and the distribution of symbiotic bacteria in the mixed segment of the wood-eating termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis (Shiraki) were studied. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes (rDNA) were amplified from the mixed segment of the gut by PCR, and two kinds of sequences were identified. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods to identify symbionts harbored in the mixed segment. They are classified as low-G+C-content gram-positive bacteria and are most closely related to the genus Clostridium. The distribution of these bacteria throughout the whole gut was examined by PCR using specific primers, which suggested that they are confined to the mixed segment despite the presence of bacteria throughout the gut. In situ hybridization indicated that the symbiotic bacteria were localized to the ectoperitrophic space between the midgut wall and the peritrophic membrane in the mixed segment. Electron microscopy revealed the close association between these bacteria and the mesenteric epithelium, suggesting that they have some interactions with the gut tissue of termites.     

Field evaluation of a fipronil bait against subterranean termite Odontotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The subterranean termite Odontotermes formosanus Shiraki is an important pest of agronomic crops, plantations, and forestry, and it endangers earthen dikes and dams in China. A fipronil bait consisting of straw pulp and white sugar was evaluated against field colonies of O. formosanus. Triple mark-capture with Nile blue dye was used to delineate foraging territories and to estimate foraging populations of four O. formosanus colonies locating in the campus of Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China. Termite activity was monitored by number of termite workers and straw board consumption in underground monitoring stations. Consumption of bait matrix and fipronil was estimated for each testing site. The results showed that approximately 3-5 mg of fipronil could suppress foraging populations of O. formosanus containing 0.4-0.7 million foragers per colony. Baits containing fipronil seem to be a feasible alternative for controlling O. formosanus.     

Microtermes aethiopicus sp.n., a fungus-growing termite (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) from Ethiopia

Abstract Microtermes aethiopicus , a new species of fungus-growing termite (Macrotermitinae), is described from Ethiopia, where it is widespread in the central, southern and western provinces. It is distinguished from other Microtermes spp. by the soldiers' possession of distinct mandibular teeth.     

On the elevated intestinal pH of higher termites (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Summary The pH of the gut contents was measured in 52 species of higher termites (Termitidae), representing 36 genera in all four subfamilies. A statistically significant trend was shown from lower termites with low mean gut pH through to the Termitinae with higher mean gut pHs. Elevation of the pH occurred principally in the first and third proctodaeal segments, reaching values as high as 10.5 in 8 soil-feeding genera and 1 wood-feeding genus of Termitinae. Elevation of gut pH within the Termitidae appears to be independent of the general nature of the feeding substrate.     

The termite (Isoptera) fauna of a monsoonal rainforest near Darwin, northern Australia

Abstract  Termite species richness, frequency of occurrence and functional diversity at Holmes Jungle Nature Reserve, a monsoon rainforest patch in northern Australia, was investigated at the end of the wet season in 2003. A sampling protocol that employed direct search, soil pits and baiting techniques was used to sample litter, wood, mound, soil and arboreal nest microhabitats for termites. Five species from five genera and three families (Mastotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae) were recorded. This included the first record of Ephelotermes taylori (Hill) from monsoon forest in Australia. The family Termitidae was dominant and represented 70% of termite occurrences. Termites were most frequently encountered in carton runways on tree trunks, followed by lying dead wood and baits. Four nesting habits were represented: arboreal, epigeal, hypogeal and within wood. The arboreal nest-builder Nasutitermes graveolus (Hill) accounted for 61% of termite encounters. Epigeal mound-building species were rare. Wood-feeders were the only trophic group represented. Relatively high activity of Mastotermes darwiniensis Froggatt was recorded at baits within 2.5 months. The low species richness recorded at Holmes Jungle is consistent with the low diversity reported for Australian rainforests generally, but remains relatively depauperate compared with other monsoon forest and savanna habitats of the Northern Territory.     

Hydrogen emission by three wood-feeding subterranean termite species (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): Production and characteristics

Abstract Hydrogen emission by wood-feeding termites, Coptotermes formosanus, Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes virginicus, was investigated upon a cellulosic substrate as their food source. The emission rates among the three species tested were significantly different and R. virginicus demonstrated the greatest H₂ emission at 4.78 ± 0.15 μmol/h/g body weight. In a sealed test apparatus, H₂ emission for each termite species showed a quick increase at the initial incubation hours (3–6 h), followed by a slower growth, possibly due to the feedback inhibition by gas accumulation. Further investigation revealed that continuous H₂ emission could be maintained by reducing the H₂ partial pressure in the sealed container. The bioconversion of cellulose to molecular H₂ by the subterranean termites tested could reach as high as 3 858 ± 294 μmol/g cellulose, suggesting that the termite gut system is unique and efficient in H₂ conversion from cellulosic substrate.     

Hospitalitermes krishnai, a new nasute termite (Nasutitermitinae, Termitidae, Isoptera), from southern Sumatra, Indonesia

A new species of nasute termite, Hospitalitermes krishnaisp. n., is described from soldiers and workers discovered in Lampung Province, Sumatra. This species can be distinguished from other related Hospitalitermes species from Southeast Asia by the anterior part of head capsule that is much smaller than the posterior part, head capsule that is moderately constricted behind the antennal sockets, and relatively deep depression between the head and nasus and, finally, the short and robust nasus measuring less than half as long as head capsule. Moreover, in profile the nasus is slightly up-curved but slightly decurved at the apical tip. We name this new species after Professor Kumar Krishna in recognition of his life-long contributions to termite taxonomy, systematics and biology.     

Intra- and interspecific agonistic behavior of the subterranean termite Microcerotermes crassus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The aim of our study was to investigate the intra- and interspecific agonistic behaviors exhibited by the worker and soldier castes of the subterranean termite Microcerotermes crassus Snyder (Isoptera: Termitidae). Aggression between M. crassus colonies from different field locations and also against three termite species--Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann), Globitermnes sulphureus Haviland, and Odontotermes sp.--were observed in the laboratory. Termite responses were tested in paired combination of castes (soldiers versus soldiers, soldiers versus workers, and workers versus workers) consisting of 10 individuals each. Significant agonistic behaviors were observed only in encounters between pairings of different termite species. M. crassus was aggressive toward individuals from different species but not toward individuals from different M. crassus colonies. Mortality of M. crassus reached 100% in most of the interspecific encounters. However, no or low mortality was recorded in the intraspecific pairings.     

Elimination of field colonies of a mound-building termite Globitermes sulphureus (Isoptera: Termitidae) by bistrifluron bait

The efficacy of Xterm, which contains 1% bistrifluron, in the form of cellulose bait pellets was evaluated for its efficacy in eradicating field colonies of the mound-building termite Globitermes sulphureus (Haviland) (Isoptera: Termitidae). The termite mounds were dissected at the end of the experiment to determine whether the colonies were eliminated. By approximately 2 mo postbaiting, the body of termite workers appeared marble white, and mites were present on the body. The soldier-worker ratio increased drastically in the colonies, and the wall surface of the mounds started to erode. Colony elimination required at least a 4-mo baiting period. Mound dissection revealed wet carton materials (food store) that were greatly consumed and overgrown by fast-growing fungi. Decaying cadavers were scattered all over the nests. On average, 84.1 +/- 16.4 g of bait matrix (68.9 +/- 13.4%, an equivalent of 841 +/- 164 mg of bistrifluron) was consumed in each colony. Moreover, we found that a mere 143 mg of bistrifluron was sufficient to eliminate a colony of C. sulphureus.     

Caste developmental system of the Japanese damp-wood termite Hodotermopsis japonica (Isoptera: Termopsidae)

Caste developmental pathways of the Japanese damp-wood termite Hodotermopsis japonica Holmgren were estimated by measuring body parts. From the size distribution of head-width, seven peaks were recognized in populations of larvae. Of these peaks, the seventh has a wide range and variance, indicating that it represents several instars. The individuals that make up the seventh peak, which take the role of workers (pseudergate), are suggested to enter the nymphal stage(s), which has brachypterous wing buds, prior to becoming alates. The pseudergates appear to be totipotent, that is, capable of differentiating into any caste, including reproductives and soldiers. Sixth instars and pseudergates have the potential to become soldiers via a presoldier stage. Although the evolution of caste systems in termites is controversial, the linear developmental pathway found in this study is thought to be the typical pattern in lower termites. Sexual discrimination was also investigated, males and females being easily distinguished by examining the seventh abdominal sternites of individuals older than fourth instar larvae. Both sexes appear to follow the same caste developmental pathway.