Rate, Amount, and Distribution Pattern of Alimentary Fluid Transfer via Trophallaxis in Three Species of Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae, Termopsidae)

Abstract

Abstract Trophallaxis, defined as the direct transfer of alimentary liquids, including suspended particulates and derivatives, from one nestmate to another via regurgitation or anal feeding, is important in the nutritional dynamics and communication of many social insects. Trophallaxis is a mechanism for the transfer of nutrients, symbionts, pheromones, and information within social insect colonies. We used the radioactive tracer cobalt-60, combined with the vital dye Nile Blue A, in a standard diet to investigate the rate, amount, and distribution pattern of alimentary liquids in the termites Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), R. virginicus (Banks), and Zootermopsis nevadensis subsp. nevadensis (Haverty & Thorne) (Termopsidae). The technique did not affect termite survivorship and enabled determination of the rate and quantity of material transferred from identifiable, marked “donor” individuals to “recipients.” This method of tracing trophallactic transfer of alimentary fluid ...