Abstract
Morphometrics, caste composition and behaviour were studied in Bulbitermes 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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Netherlands Entomological Society Meeting, 19 December 2003, Groningen 15 |
| Editors | J. Bruin |
| Pages | 21-27 |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |
Keywords
- isoptera
- termitidae
- nasutitermes
- animal behaviour
- animal ecology
- malaysia