Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Development in the higher termites is characterised by the direction of individuals into
neuter or reproductive pathways during, or prior to the first larval stage (Figure III.49b).
In the neuter line of the higher termites, in Mastotermes darwiniensis, the Hodotermitinae
and some Rhinotermitidae, there is a greater separation between the castes and an increased
developmental rigidity compared with the remaining lower termites, particularly the
Termopsidae, Kalotermitidae and some Rhinotermitidae. The future reproductives grow
to maturity through a series of developmental stages separated by moults.
Colony ontogeny and reproduction
Termite colonies reproduce in three ways (Grassé, 1984). The first and most common
occurs through the periodic release of male and female reproductives from their parental
nests (swarming). A small proportion of those released survive predation to form nuptial
pairs and may establish new colonies separate from those within which they were reared.
However, new colonies also establish from secondary reproductives where part of the
original colony becomes isolated from its parent colony (budding). Occasionally, colonies
may subdivide by a process know as sociotomy which involves the departure of a group
of individuals from the parent colony to establish one or more new colonies elsewhere.
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