Lack of Agonism in an Insular Caribbean Termite, Nasutitermes acajutlae

Abstract

The theory of kin selection predicts that social animals should be able to discriminate between kin and nonkin as well as among various levels of relatedness (Hamilton, 1964). Among eusocial insects, kin recognition is important in maintaining colony integrity (Fletcher and Michener, 1987). In addition, it can allow individuals to discriminate levels of relatedness among nestmates. The ability to recognize kin has been found in a variety of social insects, including bees, ants, wasps, and termites (e.g., Fletcher and Michener, 1987; Clement and Bagneres, 1998). Laboratory assays of agonism in small arenas are frequently used as an indicator of kin-recognition among social insects (Vander Meer et al., 1998) including many species of higher (Family Termitidae) and lower (all other termite families) termites (reviewed by Thorne and Haverty, 1991; Shelton and Grace, 1996; Clement and Bagneres, 1998). Most termites examined show pronounced aggression, including chasing, insertion of mandibles, and biting by soldiers and workers (Thorne, 1982; Binder, 1988; Su and Haverty, 1991; Thorne and Haverty, 1991; Shelton and Grace, 1996; Clement and Bagneres, 1998). Agonism can result in immediate death or removal of appendages such as antennae and legs (Clement, 1986). Levels of agonism can vary