Insights Intothe Growth of YoungTermite Colonies

摘要

Researchers from Ohio State University investigated early colony growth characteristics of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, to further understand their complicated biology.The life cycle of subterranean termites is complex, but critical to understanding the establishment and spread of species. The termite life cycle begins with the dispersal of winged male and female swarmers (alates, winged adult termites) from their natal (parent) colony. These swarmers are potential reproductives that are attempting to establish new colonies at new sites. What happens to alates that don't fly from their natal colony? Well... their nestmates cannibalize them. It's either fly or die! And, even then, flight doesn't offer a significant likelihood for survival as only a small number of swarmers live long enough to establish a new colony. The majority of swarmers die from desiccation or predation.