Preliminary studies on the control of caste formation in the harvester termiteHodotermes mossambicus (Hagen)

The control of caste formation in the harvester termiteHodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) was investigated.Normal laboratory colonies contained a primary reproductive pair, between 6.59 and 24.98% workers, 0.39 and 3.45% soldiers and 74.64 and 92.06% larvae. Supplementary reproductives did not develop in colonies deprived of their king and queen. Continuous removal of soldiers stimulated soldier production. We have suggested that a pheromone produced by the soldiers plays a major role in controlling the soldier population of a colony. A similar phermone system appreared to control the production of workers.Evidence was also obtained that the primary reproductive pair influenced the production of workers and soldiers.