Developmental stages and castes of two sympatric subterranean termites Macrotermes gilvus and Macrotermes carbonarius (Blattodea: Termitidae).

摘要: The developmental stages and castes of two sympatric subterranean termites, Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) carbonarius (Blattodea: Termitidae) were studied biometric descriptors each caste developed for the identification both species. Biometric revealed five well-defined groups larval castes. After sex determination, three instars detected in development minor major worker first consist males females which are homogenous size. Size sexual dimorphism, smaller than males, occurs second instars, third Minor soldiers female sterile Pictorial evidence fourth instar M. is presented herein; individuals closely resemble workers but poorly pigmented have a distended abdomen, future presoldier-like mandibles, meso- metanotum. In reproductive development, nymphs (derived from instars) undergo moults to fifth before becoming winged termites.