Defenses of Nasutitermes Termites (Isoptera, Termitidae) Against Tamandua Anteaters (Edentata, Myrmecophagidae)

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Abstract
When carton nests or covered trails of Nasutitermes termites were breached experimentally, nasute soldiers were recruited rapidly to the break, while workers retreated into the nest or trail. Nasutes mobilized both in larger numbers and more rapidly to breaks in nests than at sites away from the nest. Nasutitermes formed an important part of the diets of 2 Tamandua mexicana and T. tetradactyla anteaters. Anteaters ignored or actively rejected most nests of Nasutitermes that they encountered, and fed primarily at concentrations of Nasutitermes in logs, branches, and covered trails away from the nest. Feeding at carton nests occurred mainly when these nests contained winged reproductives and nymphs or ants living in association with the termites. Feeding on Nasutitermes was often accompanied by grooming behavior. A captive T. mexicana rejected recently killed nasute soldiers while accepting both workers and reproductives of the same species. Nasute soldiers are apparently an effective defense against predation by anteaters on the nest; the role of mammalian termite-eaters in maintaining the Nasutitermes defense system is considered.

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