Defenses of Nasutitermes Termites (Isoptera, Termitidae) Against Tamandua Anteaters (Edentata, Myrmecophagidae)

When carton nests or covered trails of Nasutitermes termites were breached experimentally, nasute soldiers were recruited rapidly to the break, while workers retreated into the nest or trail. Nasutes mobilized both in larger numbers and more rapidly to breaks in nests than at sites away from the nes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biotropica 1981-03, Vol.13 (1), p.66-76
Main Authors: Lubin, Yael D., Montgomery, G. Gene
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal nesting
Ants
Bird nesting
Boxes
Insect colonies
Insect nests
Predators
Soldiers
Termites
Worker insects
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Summary:When carton nests or covered trails of Nasutitermes termites were breached experimentally, nasute soldiers were recruited rapidly to the break, while workers retreated into the nest or trail. Nasutes mobilized both in larger numbers and more rapidly to breaks in nests than at sites away from the nest. Nasutitermes formed an important part of the diets of two species of Tamandua anteaters. Anteaters, however, ignored or actively rejected most nests of Nasutitermes that they encountered, and fed primarily at concentrations of Nasutitermes in logs, branches, and covered trails away from the nest. Feeding at carton nests occurred mainly when these nests contained winged reproductives and nymphs or ants living in association with the termites. Feeding on Nasutitermes was often accompanied by grooming behavior. A captive T. mexicana rejected recently killed nasute soldiers while accepting both workers and reproductives of the same species. We suggest that the nasute soldiers are an effective defense against predation by anteaters on the nest and speculate on the role of mammalian termite-eaters in maintaining the Nasutitermes defense system.
ISSN:0006-3606
1744-7429
DOI:10.2307/2387872