Do Termites Avoid Carcasses? Behavioral Responses Depend on the Nature of the Carcasses

摘要: Author(s): Neoh, Kok-Boon; Yeap, Beng-Keok; Tsunoda, Kunio; Yoshimura, Tsuyoshi; Lee, Chow-Yang | Abstract: BackgroundUndertaking behavior is a significant adaptation to social life in enclosed nests. Workers are known remove dead colony members from the nest. Such prevents spread of pathogens that may be detrimental colony. To date, little about ethological aspects how termites deal with carcasses.Methodology and principal findingsIn this study, we tested responses carcasses four species different subterranean termite taxa: Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) (lower termites) Microcerotermes crassus Snyder Globitermes sulphureus Haviland (higher termites). We also used types (freshly killed, 1-, 3-, 7-day-old, oven-killed carcasses) mutilated nestmates investigate whether exhibited any behavioral were specific certain conditions. Some performed specifically on or termites. C. R. following behaviors: (1) frequency time spent antennating, grooming, carcass removal freshly 1-day-old, high, but these behaviors decreased as aged; (2) repeatedly crawled under aging piles; (3) only newly consumed food source. In contrast, M. G. workers relatively few acts. Our results cast new light previous notion necrophobic nature.ConclusionWe conclude response towards depends largely nature species, more complex than was previously thought. likely associated threat posed by feeding habits nesting ecology given species.