The Unusual Neotenic System of the Asian Dry Wood Termite, Neotermes koshunensis (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Authors

  • Yasushi Miyaguni Kagoshima University
  • Koji Sugio University of the Ryukyus
  • Kazuki Tsuji University of the Ryukyus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v60i1.65-68

Keywords:

neotenic reproductives, orphaned colony, caste differentiation, Neotermes koshunensis

Abstract

In most lower termites, colonies are headed by neotenic reproductives of both sexes after the primary reproductives (i.e., the queen and king) are lost. The production of a neotenic sexual is inhibited by the presence of a primary reproductive of the same sex. We found an exception in the caste system of the dry wood termite Neotermes koshunensis (Kalotermitidae). The neotenic caste is exclusively male. Moreover, production of male neotenics is completely inhibited not only by the presence of a king but also by the presence of a queen. Therefore, it is likely to be difficult for N. koshunensis colonies to recover their reproductive pairs.

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Author Biographies

Yasushi Miyaguni, Kagoshima University

Department of Environmental Science and Conservation Biology, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences

Koji Sugio, University of the Ryukyus

Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education

Kazuki Tsuji, University of the Ryukyus

Entomological Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture

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Published

2013-03-27

How to Cite

Miyaguni, Y., Sugio, K., & Tsuji, K. (2013). The Unusual Neotenic System of the Asian Dry Wood Termite, Neotermes koshunensis (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae). Sociobiology, 60(1), 65–68. https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v60i1.65-68

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Research Article - Termites

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