Abstract
The thicknesses of the cuticle and rectal pads, and the spiracle morphology were compared for four termite species from different habitats, including one drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis Walker, one “wetwood” termite, Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks, one subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and one dampwood termite, Neotermes jouteli (Banks). Cuticle thicknesses were significantly different among all four termite species. Neotermes jouteli had the thickest cuticle, while Co. formosanus had the thinnest. The cuticle of C. brevis was thicker than that of C. cavifrons and Co. formosanus, which may reflect a comparably greater need to prevent water loss in drier habitats for C. brevis. Rectal pad widths were significantly different among all four termite species, except those of C. brevis with N. jouteli. The rectal pads of N. jouteli and C. brevis were thicker than those of C. cavifrons and Co. formosanus, and the rectal pads of C. cavifrons were thicker than those of Co. formosanus in turn. Larger rectal pads likely account for the water conservation mechanism of producing dry, pelleted frass in the kalotermitids (N. jouteli, C. brevis, and C. cavifrons). Morphological observations of the spiracles showed the presence of protuberances (atrial arms) in the three kalotermitids. The function of this protuberance is unclear, but it may serve as a sac-like structure, aiding in gas exchange, or a moisture trap aiding in the prevention of water loss through evaporation.
Highlights
Due to their small size and relatively unsclerotized body, water loss is an important problem facing all termite species [1]
Larger rectal pads likely account for the water conservation mechanism of producing dry, pelleted frass in the kalotermitids (N. jouteli, C. brevis, and C. cavifrons)
Individuals from colonies of C. brevis, C. cavifrons, Co. formosanus, and N. jouteli were collected in Broward County, Florida
Summary
Due to their small size and relatively unsclerotized body, water loss is an important problem facing all termite species [1]. Termites generally live in confined galleries and nesting structures and maintain the relative humidity (RH) of the nest and foraging tunnels at desirable levels to prevent severe desiccation. Body water is lost via evaporation through the cuticle, buccal and anal openings, and spiracles [1,2]. The cuticle, the major interface involved in body water loss, includes microstructures for aid in the prevention of this loss (i.e., cement and wax layers). Body water is lost from the spiracles during respiration and involves loss as water vapor associated with respirative gas exchange. During normal respiration when the spiracles are open, water vapor escapes with gaseous CO2
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