Insects (2016) 7 (3 - 38)

S. Khoirul Himmi, Tsuyoshi Yoshimura, Yoshiyuki Yanase, Masao Oya, Toshiyuki Torigoe, Masanori Akada and Setsuo Imadzu (2016)
Nest-gallery development and caste composition of isolated foraging groups of the drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)
Insects 7 (3 - 38)
Abstract: An X-ray computed-tomographic examination of nest-gallery development from timbers naturally infested by foraging groups of Incisitermes minor colonies was conducted. This study documents the colonization process of I. minor to new timbers and how the isolated groups maintain their nest-gallery system. The results suggested that development of a nest-gallery within a suitable wood item is not random, but shows selection for softer substrate and other adaptations to the different timber environments. Stigmergic coordinations were expressed in dynamic changes of the nest-gallery system; indicated by fortification behavior in sealing and re-opening a tunnel approaching the outer edge of the timber, and accumulating fecal pellets in particular chambers located beneath the timber surface. The study also examines the caste composition of isolated groups to discover how I. minor sustains colonies with and without primary reproductives.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Full text of article

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Incisitermes minor	Wood products	Japan