Agonistic Behavior of the Termite Prorhinotermes canalifrons (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) |
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Authors: | Jan Šobotník Robert Hanus Yves Roisin |
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Affiliation: | (1) Research Team of Infochemicals, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 2, Prague 6, Dejvice, 166 10, Czech Republic;(2) Behavioral and Evolutionary Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), CP 160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium |
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Abstract: | While intercolonial and interspecific agonism has been broadly documented in termites, detailed studies of individual behavior and its differentiation among castes are scarce. We studied the responses of non-reproductive castes of Prorhinotermes canalifrons (pseudergates, presoldiers, soldiers of different age and artificial intercastes) to conspecific and heterospecific aliens. Each caste displayed a specific behavioral repertoire. Soldiers, but to a lesser extent pseudergates as well, are responsible for colony defense. The behavioral repertoire of the soldier appears on the second day after exuviation and becomes complete on the third day, well before its defensive secretion is present. The behavior of artificial intercastes induced by a JH analog is intermediate between that of pseudergates and soldiers. Reactions to heterospecific aliens were much quicker and more violent than reactions to conspecifics, which suggests that individuals experience difficulties in identifying conspecific aliens. |
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Keywords: | Defensive behavior attack presoldier intercaste |
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