ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Interspecific recognition
;
Isoptera
;
termites
;
Reticulitermes
;
cuticular hydrocarbons
;
aggression
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Two species of termites,Reticulitermes (lucifugus) grassei andR. (l.) banyulensis, show a high degree of aggressivity toward each other. The epicuticular signature, recognized by contact, can be extracted using organic solvents, and the removal of the signature abolished all types of aggressive behavior. The signature can be transferred to lures, where it triggers interspecies aggression. It was found to be mainly present in the apolar fraction of the cuticular extracts, which contained only hydrocarbons, are determined by GC/MS techniques. Chemical recognition contributes towards isolation of the two species belonging to theR. lucifugus complex.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00994590
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