Rare production of nymphs in an Asian subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) incipient colony

Authors

  • Thomas Chouvenc Department of Entomology and Nematology, Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 3205 College Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
  • Aaron J Mullins Department of Entomology and Nematology, Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 3205 College Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
  • Nan-Yao Su Department of Entomology and Nematology, Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 3205 College Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA

Keywords:

Coptotermes, replacement reproductive, neotenic, developmental plasticity

Abstract

Coptotermes colonies usually produce nymphs when a colony reaches maturity. In this study, we describe a rare case of nymph production from a 10-mo-old colony that previously had lost a primary reproductive. Such replacement reproductives are not functional. We suggest that the unusual developmental plasticity we observed may be the result of a vestigial developmental pathway that may partially regain its functionality in mature colonies.

 

Sumario

Colonias de Coptotermes suelen producir ninfas cuando la colonia alcanza la madurez. En este estudio, se describe un raro caso de producción de ninfas por una colonia de 10 meses de edad, que anteriormente habían perdido su estado reproductivo primario. Tales reproductoras de reemplazo no son funcionales. Sugerimos que la plasticidad del desarrollo no usual que observamos puede ser el resultado de una manera de desarrollo vestigial que puede recuperar parcialmente su funcionalidad en las colonias maduras.

 

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Scientific Notes