Population and colony structure ofStolotermes inopinusandS. ruficeps(Isoptera: Stolotermitinae) in New Zealand

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Abstract
Stolotermes is of particular interest because it is a relatively primitive, relict genus of modern termites. Colony population size, reproductive system, alate production and sex ratio, and density of the New Zealand termites Stolotermes inopinus Gay and S. ruficeps Brauer were studied in the field. Colony size was typically several hundred individuals in spatially isolated colonies. Compound or associated ‘colonies’ or ‘subcolonies’ may reach much larger sizes. The derivation of, and extent of interaction within, closely spaced colonies or subcolonies is unknown. Primary kings of these Stolotermes species appear to have a shorter lifespan than primary queens. Possession of a large, sclerotized postabdominal outgrowth that appears to be a phallic structure in S. inopinus (homologous with the phallic organ of Blattaria and Mantodea) is so far unique among known Isoptera.