作者: JanetS. Shellman-Reeve
DOI: 10.1007/BF00170895
关键词:
摘要: Studies were conducted on the dampwood termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis, to examine behavioral roles of reproductive pair during nest-founding period and determine effect nitrogen availability their reproduction division labor. Nitrogen has been hypothesized be an important limiting nutrient for founding pairs. One nitrogenous reserve, uric acid-nitrogen, was examined in reproductives nutrient-receiving nutrient-gathering colony members; it found highest amounts (i.e., alates, de-alates, primary reproductives). Young pairs may use these reserves increase chances reproduction. In support this hypothesis, that fed a diet supplemented with acid-nitrogen had significantly greater probability producing at least one offspring than did unsupplemented diet. Females nitrogen-poor restricted total activity while mates sustained high initiation. When nitrogen-rich diet, females collected pulp more often mates, males water, though only prior egg laying. all pairs, transferred proctodeal pellets (food derived from hindgut intestine) males, mates. The male-female asymmetries pellet transfer feeding not significant stage after deposition. Once eggs larvae present nest, male female spend equal percentage time caring larvae. Proctodeal rich proteins. This suggests pre-egg period, provides substances as form paternal investment.