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The effect of caste composition on wood consumption in cultures of Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill) (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J. A. L. Watson ,
D. B. A. Ruyooka  and
C. D. Howick
J. A. L. Watson
Affiliation:
Division of Entomology, CSIRO, Canberra, A. C. T. 2601, Australia
D. B. A. Ruyooka
Affiliation:
S.C.A.A.P. Fellow, Department of Forestry, Australian National University, Canberra, A. C. T. 2600, Australia
C. D. Howick
Affiliation:
Division of Building Research, CSIRO, Highett, Vic. 3190, Australia
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Abstract

Altering the proportions by weight of first-stage workers in groups of large workers from 26 to 40%, or of fourth-and fifth-stage reproductive nymphs in groups of mixed workers from 0 to 15%, did not affect wood consumption by laboratory cultures of Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill). However, increasing the proportion of soldiers in groups of mixed workers from 0 to 15% decreased food consumption, which was very closely related to: the weight of workers present. The presence of 7·5% of large workers near to ecdysis had no significant effect, but food consumption was depressed when the proportion reached 15%, apparently due to high mortality among the moulting workers. It is concluded that caste composition can be an important factor in laboratory tests of materials against termite attack and that, unlike soldiers or large workers near to ecdysis, first-stage workers and late-stage reproductive nymphs of N. exitiosus are substantially independent castes, at least in their feeding.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 68 , Issue 4 , December 1978 , pp. 687 - 694
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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