Laboratory Studies on the Biology of the Forniosan Subterranean Termite1 with Primary Emphasis on Young Colony Development2

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Colonies of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were initiated from paired, virgin, 1st-form reproductives. Four oviposition periods were recorded during the 2.5 years of this study. Four larval stages occurred in colonies killed at the beginning of the 2nd oviposition period. Soldiers were of 2 sizes, smaller 4th stage individuals produced during the 1st oviposition period and larger 5th stage individuals from the 2nd oviposition period. Colonies consisted of ca. 10% soldiers. First-form reproductives decreased in size during the 1st oviposition period. Thereafter, females increased in size and males regained their original size. Rate of development and number of eggs deposited increased with increased temperature. However, colony survival was greater at 26°C than at 32°C. Pairing occurred at 16, 21.5, 26, and 32°C. Oviposition occurred in colonies maintained at 21.5°C, but not in colonies held at 16°C. Eggs hatched at 26 and 32°C but not at 21.5°C. The threshold temperature for embryonic development was lower than that for hatching. Pairing occurred between and within sexes. No embryonic development occurred in eggs laid by virgin females. Paired females behaved differently than single females.
Keywords

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: