Caste biology and behaviour of Bulbitermes sarawakensis (Isoptera, Nasutitermitinae) in Malaysia

摘要

Morphometrics, caste composition and behaviour were studied in Butoitermes sarawakensis (Isoptera; Nasutitermitinae) in Malaysia. Morphometric studies displayed two larval stages, a presoldier and a soldier caste, two worker castes and different nymphal stages. Four different nymphs with long wings and two with wing pads were found. The function of the latter is not understood. Removal of parts of galleries in the field resulted in an immediate but temporary retreat of workers and the appearance of soldiers. Soldiers stayed at the broken gallery until workers had it reconstructed. Foraging activity differed per colony and over daytime. The positive exponential relation found between foraging activity and caste ratio (workers/soldiers) can be explained by a stronger increase in worker numbers than in soldier numbers.