Mate finding in a mimetic termitophile amidst its host termites

Abstract

AbstractA frequently overlooked cost can be involved in mimetic termitophily: excess resemblance to the model may compromise intraspecific recognition lowering fitness for the mimic. We address this problem, inspecting mate‐finding behavioural strategies used by Corotoca spp. rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) which obligatorily cohabit the termitaria of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). In a bioassay, we show that whole‐body chemical extracts of these rove beetles (i) elicit behavioural activity, (ii) are perceivable by contact, (iii) can be used by Corotoca spp. to disguise themselves as a termite, and (iv) elicit a trail‐following behaviour similar to the "innate" one elicited by termites on themselves. In another bioassay using a Y‐shaped olfactometer, we show that beetles, despite disguising themselves, preserve their identity by employing long‐range signals to find mates amidst a termite crowd. Our data suggest that Corotoca beetles have developed different strategies (i) to bypass the nestmate recognition performed by termites (mimicking short‐range signals) and (ii) to preserve the ability to encounter their beetle conspecifics (perceiving long‐range signals). In conclusion, our results indicate that termitophiles such as Corotoca spp, while highly integrated in termite colonies, are still able to perform conspecific recognition.