Nest digging ofKalotermes flavicollis(Fabr.) (Isoptera Kalotermitidae) by groups of different numbers of pseudergates

Abstract

The behaviour of small orphan groups of pseudergates of Kalotermes flavicollis during the initial digging of their new nest was studied. The groups were formed by 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 40 insects. (1) Some behaviours were the same for all the groups, as they did not depend on the number of the insects: the beginning of digging of both primary and secondary tunnels; the regularity and continuity of the digging; the structure of the nests mainly made of long primary tunnels with few branches and openings; the filling of tunnels with bits of wood taken from other parts of the nest. (2) Other behaviours may show that there is some kind of polyethism in the pseudergates' behaviour: the more numerous groups of pseudergates dug more quickly, but the amount of work of each individual decreased as the number of insects of the group increased. A pseudergate, when alone, hardly ever tried to dig a shelter and its tunneling, if begun, was soon stopped.