Termite – College Essay Example

"king."

"Genetic research has disproven the idea that colonies are always led by a monogamous royal pair. It is common to find multiple pairs of reproductives within a colony. In certain families like Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae, sperm competition does not occur, indicating that only one male (king) typically mates within the colony. The primary queen has a high capacity for egg laying at maturity. Physogastric species experience an increase in fecundity due to the queen acquiring additional ovaries with each molt. This results in a distended abdomen and reported production of over 2,000 eggs per day. However, the enlarged abdomen restricts the queen's movement, but worker termites assist her."

The role of the queen in termite colonies is widely believed to be the primary source of pheromones that help with colony integration. This is achieved through shared feeding, also known as trophallaxis. Unlike ant colonies, where the queen mates once and stores the gametes for life, the termite king continues to mate with the queen throughout their lifetime. It is worth noting that a termite queen can live up to 45 years. After initial mating, the king only grows slightly larger. In the process of shedding their wings after mating, two termites can be observed in Maun, Botswana. The winged caste, also referred to as the reproductive caste or "alate" caste, are typically the only termites with well-developed eyes. However, some worker termites of certain harvesting species also have well-developed compound eyes, and in some species, soldiers with eyes may occasionally appear. In certain termite species, termites transitioning to become alates form a subcaste during their incomplete metamorphosis. In this subcaste, they function as workers known as

"pseudergates" and have the potential to become supplementary reproductives. If a primary queen is lost, supplementaries have the ability to replace her, and in some species, several supplementaries are recruited once a primary queen is no longer present.

In areas with a distinct dry season, the alates leave the nest in large swarms after the first soaking rain of the rainy season. In other regions, flights may occur throughout the year, or more commonly, in the spring and autumn. Termites are relatively poor fliers and are readily blown downwind in wind speeds of less than 2 km/h. They shed their wings soon after landing at an acceptable site, where they mate and attempt to form a nest in damp timber or earth.

Worker termites undertake the labors of foraging, food storage, brood and nest maintenance, and some defense duties in certain species. Workers are the main caste in the colony for the digestion of cellulose in food and are the most likely to be found in infested wood.

There are two ways in which cellulose digestion is achieved in termites. In most termite families, except the Termitidae, flagellate protists in the gut help with cellulose digestion. However, in the Termitidae, which make up about 60% of all termite species, the flagellates are absent and a group of prokaryotic organisms take on this digestive function. This concept, which has been present in entomology textbooks for many years, becomes more complex with the discovery that all studied termites can produce their own cellulase enzymes. This suggests that they may be able to digest wood without their symbiotic microbes, although recent evidence indicates that these gut microbes do indeed utilize the

cellulase enzymes produced by termites. Our understanding of the relationship between the microbial and termite components of digestion is still basic. However, it holds true for all termite species that workers feed other members of the colony with substances derived from the digestion of plant material, whether from their mouth or anus.

The act of one colony member feeding another, known as trophallaxis, plays a crucial role in the success of the group. It relieves the parents from feeding all offspring beyond the first generation, enabling the group to thrive and ensuring the transfer of necessary gut symbionts from one generation to the next. Some termite species lack a distinct worker caste and instead rely on nymphs that perform equivalent tasks without differentiating as a separate caste. [citation needed] [edit] Soldiers A photo of a soldier termite (Macrotermitinae) with an enlarged jaw in the Okavango Delta.

The soldier caste possesses specific physical and behavioral adaptations that contribute to their strength and protection, particularly against ant attacks. The ratio of soldiers within a colony differs both within and between species. Numerous soldiers have jaws that are enlarged to the point where they cannot feed themselves, and instead, they rely on workers to feed them, much like juveniles. The pantropical subfamily Nasutitermitinae has soldiers that can release harmful fluids through a horn-like nozzle known as a nasus.

The family Rhinotermitidae has simple holes in the forehead known as "fontanelles" that produce defensive secretions. Identifying many species within this family can be done by examining the characteristics of the soldiers' heads, mandibles, or nasus. Drywood termites, for example, have soldiers with globular ("phragmotic") heads that are capable of blocking their

narrow tunnels. While termite soldiers are typically blind, some families, like the dampwood termites, may have soldiers that develop functional eyes from the reproductive line. The main purpose of the soldier caste is to defend against predation by ants.

The wide range of jaw types and phragmotic heads offers effective methods to block narrow termite tunnels from ants. A tunnel-blocking soldier can successfully repel attacks from multiple ants. Typically, additional soldiers are present behind the initial soldier. Therefore, if the first soldier is defeated, another soldier will take its place. If the intrusion originates from a breach larger than the soldier's head, a special defensive formation is required. In this formation, soldiers create a phalanx-like structure around the breach and either bite intruders or release toxins from the nasus or fontanelle. This formation involves sacrificing oneself since once the workers have repaired the breach during combat, there is no way back, resulting in the demise of all defenders.

Another form of self-sacrifice is exhibited by Southeast Asian tar-baby termites (Globitermes sulphureus). These termites engage in a suicidal act called autothysis, where their soldiers rupture a gland beneath their cuticle. This gland contains a thick yellow fluid that turns sticky upon exposure to air. As a result, when ants or other insects attempt to invade the nest, they get trapped in the adhesive substance. Termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning that newly hatched juveniles resemble miniature termites and grow without significant morphological changes, except for the development of wings and specialized soldier characteristics.

Some species of termite have soldiers that come in two different sizes, with the larger soldiers being up to three times bigger than the smaller

soldiers. It is not known what purpose these larger soldiers serve, but there is speculation that they could function as an elite group that defends only the inner tunnels of the termite mound. This speculation is supported by the fact that even when provoked, these larger soldiers do not fight back but instead retreat deeper into the mound. In contrast, some Australian species of Schedorhinotermes have dimorphic soldiers that are common, despite the fact that they do not build mounds or have complex nest structures.

Some termite taxa, such as those in the Apicotermitinae, are known for not having soldiers. The feeding behavior of termites is often used to categorize them. The main groupings include subterranean, soil-feeding, drywood, dampwood, and grass-eating. Among these groups, subterraneans and drywoods are the main culprits for causing damage to human-made structures.

Termites feed on cellulose in various forms, which is a plant fiber and a rich energy source. Cellulose is not easily digestible, so termites rely on symbiotic protozoa (metamonads) like Trichonympha and other microbes in their gut to break down the cellulose and absorb the resulting nutrients. The protozoa, including Trichonympha, depend on symbiotic bacteria on their surfaces to produce certain digestive enzymes. This mutualistic relationship is particularly remarkable. Many higher termites, especially those in the Termitidae family, are capable of producing their own cellulase enzymes.

However, termites continue to have a diverse collection of gut bacteria and rely primarily on these bacteria. It is strongly believed that the gut bacteria in termites originated from the gut bacteria of ancient wood-eating cockroaches, specifically those belonging to the Cryptocercus genus. Additionally, certain termite species engage in fungiculture, maintaining a specific type

of fungus called Termitomyces. These fungi are nourished by the termites' excrement. When these fungi are consumed, their spores remain intact as they pass through the termites' intestines. The spores eventually germinate in fresh fecal pellets, completing the life cycle of the fungus.

They are also famous for consuming smaller insects in a desperate situation. [edit] Nests An arboreal termite nest in MexicoTermite workers construct and manage nests that shelter the colony. These structures are complex and are constructed by using a mixture of soil, mud, chewed wood/cellulose, saliva, and feces. A nest serves multiple purposes, including providing a safe living area and preserving water (through regulated condensation). Within the nest, there are chambers specifically designed for tending to eggs and newly hatched larvae.

Some species have fungal gardens which they feed on plant matter to create a nutritious mycelium for the colony to consume. These nests are made up of a complex network of tunnels that regulate temperature and control the CO2/O2 levels, as well as provide passages for the termites to move within the nest. Nests are usually found underground, within pieces of timber, fallen trees, or even on living trees. There are also species that construct aboveground nests, which can grow into mounds. It is important for homeowners to be cautious of tree stumps that have not been removed, as they are attractive locations for termite nests. Due to their proximity to houses, termites often cause damage to the siding and even wooden beams.

The termite mound in the Okavango Delta near Maun, Botswana, known as Macrotermitinae, can be found in the Wikimedia Commons. These mounds, also referred to as "termitaria", occur when the aboveground

nest expands beyond its initial hidden surface. In Africa and Australia, they are commonly called "ant hills", although this name is technically incorrect. In tropical savannas, the mounds can reach heights of up to 9 meters (30 ft), specifically for certain Macrotermes species in well-wooded areas in Africa. Typically, the largest mounds in most savannas range from two to three meters in height. The mounds vary in shape from irregular domes or cones covered in grass and woody shrubs to sculptured hard earth mounds or a combination of both. Despite the irregular shapes, it is usually possible to identify the different species in an area by observing the mounds.

The compass termite (Amitermes meridionalis; A. laurensis) constructs sculptured mounds with unique and intricate shapes. These mounds are tall and wedge-shaped with the long axis oriented in a north-south direction, which is why they are also known as compass termites. Research has demonstrated that this specific orientation helps with thermoregulation. By having the thin end of their nest facing the sun during its peak intensity, these termites can prevent excessive heat absorption. This enables them to remain above ground, while other species are forced to seek shelter in subterranean areas.

This enables compass termites to live in poorly drained areas that would trap other species between the choices of overheating or drowning[8]. The rising column of hot air inside the aboveground mounds helps generate air circulation currents within the underground network. The composition of these mounds can be highly intricate. Temperature regulation is vital for species that cultivate fungal gardens and even for those that don't, considerable effort and energy is expended in maintaining the brood within a

narrow temperature range, often only fluctuating by plus or minus 1 degree C throughout the day. In certain regions of the African savanna, a significant number of aboveground mounds dominate the landscape.

In the Busanga Plain area of Zambia, there are small grassland mounds with a diameter of approximately 1 m and a density of about 100 per hectare. These mounds are surrounded by larger tree- and bush-covered mounds with a diameter of about 25 m and a density of around 1 per hectare. Both types of mounds can be easily observed on high-resolution satellite images taken during the wet season. In the Northern Territory of Australia, there are Cathedral Mounds and Magnetic Mounds that have a nearly North-South axis. Additionally, there are termite mounds in Queensland, Australia and in the Analamazoatra Reserve in Madagascar.

Termites are delicate insects that require moisture to survive, making them vulnerable to ants and other predators when exposed. To avoid these dangers, termites construct shelter tubes using a mixture of feces, plant matter, saliva, and soil. These tubes provide cover for their trails from the nest to the forest floor. By using these tubes, termites can remain hidden and protect themselves from unfavorable environmental conditions.

Sometimes shelter tubes can extend for long distances, such as climbing up a tree from the ground to dead branches. These tunnels are a cause for concern for subterranean termites. When Formosan subterranean termites and Eastern subterranean termites sense a possible breach, the soldiers will bang their heads to signal other soldiers for defense and recruit more workers to fix any damage. This head-banging response is also helpful in finding termites in house frames. Timber damage caused

by termite infestations can be severe, leading to surface changes in the wood.

Once termites have infiltrated a structure, they do not confine their destruction to just wood; they also harm paper, cloth, carpets, and other materials composed of cellulose. Construction often utilizes particles sourced from soft plastics, plaster, rubber, as well as sealants like silicone rubber and acrylics. The transportation of wood-eating species by humans across continents has occurred frequently; however, habitat destruction and the use of pesticides have resulted in a significant decline in some termite populations. Termites are widely considered pests in many countries due to the harm they can cause to buildings and similar disturbances.

In April 2011, it was reported that wood-eating termites caused damage amounting to over $220,000 in Indian rupee notes. To prevent this, precautions can be taken such as using termite-resistant concrete, steel, or masonry foundation with appropriate barriers to avoid contact between susceptible timber and the ground. However, termites are capable of bridging these barriers through shelter tubes. They have even been known to chew through soft plastics and certain metals like lead to access moisture. Ideally, new buildings should be constructed with embedded physical termite barriers to prevent easy entry for termites. Although poisoned soil barriers, known as termite pre-treatment, have been commonly used since the 1970s, it is recommended that they are used only for existing buildings lacking effective physical barriers.

The purpose of termite barriers, whether they are physical, poisoned soil, or new poisoned plastics, is to stop termites from secretly entering structures. When termites try to enter a building with a barrier, they are forced to construct shelter tubes on the exterior walls instead.

As a result, these tubes are easily seen by both the occupants of the building and various predators. Timber treatment and termite pre-treatment are also used.

Some types of timber that are naturally resistant to termites include Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine Tree), Tectona grandis (Teak), Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress), or one of the sequoias. It is important to note that no tree species provides timbers that are completely immune to termite damage. Even with well-known termite-resistant timber types, there may still be instances where pieces of timber are attacked by termites. If termites have already infiltrated a building, the usual course of action is to eliminate the termite colony using insecticides before addressing the factors that allowed them entry in the first place. In most western countries, the preferred method of managing termites with minimal toxicity is through the use of baits (feeder stations) containing small amounts of disruptive insect hormones or slow-acting toxins. This approach has replaced the traditional practice of directly applying toxins into termite tunnels, which had been commonly done since the early 1930s and originated in Australia. The primary dust toxicants used were inorganic metallic poison arsenic trioxide, insect growth regulators (hormones) like triflumuron, and more recently, fipronil, a phenyl-pyrazole.

Blowing dusts into termite workings is a highly skilled process. These slow-acting poisons can be distributed by the workers for hours or weeks before any symptoms occur and can destroy the entire colony. Modern variations of these poisons include chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, and novaflumuron as bait toxicants, and fipronil, imidacloprid, and chlorantraniprole as soil poisons. Using soil poisons is not preferred for termite control because it requires large amounts of toxin and results in

uncontrolled release into the environment. The damage caused by termites costs the southwestern United States approximately $1.

Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service have discovered a method to monitor the movement of termites, which result in $5 billion worth of wood structure damage annually. In 1990, they safely and effectively tracked termites by incorporating immunoglobulin G (IgG) marker proteins from rabbits or chickens into termite bait. This bait was consumed by termites in field experiments.

Termites were collected from the field and tested for rabbit-IgG markers using an expensive rabbit-IgG-specific assay. However, a new method of tracking termites has been developed using proteins from egg white, cow milk, or soy milk. These proteins can be sprayed on the termites in the field. This new method is less expensive as the proteins can be traced using a protein-specific ELISA test, which is more affordable due to mass production. Researchers aim to use this tracking method to find a cost-effective way of controlling termites.

A more affordable method to track the movement of termites using traceable proteins has been developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists. In many cultures, termites, especially the winged ones known as alates, are consumed as food due to their nutritional value and pleasant taste. These alates have a high content of fat and protein and are quite delicious, often resembling a nutty flavor when cooked. The gathering of termites is easiest during the rainy season in West, Central, and Southern Africa when they swarm and are attracted to lights. They can be collected by placing nets around a lamp to capture them after they land. After shedding their wings, which can be removed using a winnowing

technique, termites are best prepared by gently roasting them on a hot plate or lightly frying until slightly crisp. Due to their natural oil content, additional oil is usually unnecessary for cooking termites.

Traditionally, during the beginning of the rainy season when livestock is lean, new crops have not yet produced food, and stored produce from the previous period is scarce, they are made as a welcome treat.