Behavioral Responses of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to Semiochemicals of Seven Ant Species

Abstract

Bioassays were performed to determine the behavioral responses of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki soldiers to ants or ant extracts. C. formosanus responded differently to semiochemicals of different ant species. A significantly greater proportion of termite soldiers responded aggressively to Pheidole megacephala (F.) than to other ant species. Termite soldiers were significantly less likely to respond aggressively to Monomorium floricola (Jerdon), Tetramorium simillimum (F. Smith), and Ochetellus glaber (Mayr) than to other ant species. Termites avoided contact with O. glaber in 85.3% of trials, but only avoided contact with other ant species in 18% or less of trials. Termite soldiers were significantly more likely to respond to freshly killed ants than to solvent-treated ants of the same species. Termites also responded similarly to freshly killed ants and dead termites treated with ant extracts, indicating that termite responses were mediated, at least in part, by chemical cues. The ability of C. formosanus to distinguish among different ant species on the basis of semiochemicals could be an adaptive response that allows them to recognize particularly threatening enemies.