Abstract
The control of caste formation in the harvester termiteHodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) was investigated.
Normal laboratory colonies contained a primary reproductive pair, between 6.59 and 24.98% workers, 0.39 and 3.45% soldiers and 74.64 and 92.06% larvae. Supplementary reproductives did not develop in colonies deprived of their king and queen. Continuous removal of soldiers stimulated soldier production. We have suggested that a pheromone produced by the soldiers plays a major role in controlling the soldier population of a colony. A similar phermone system appreared to control the production of workers.
Evidence was also obtained that the primary reproductive pair influenced the production of workers and soldiers.
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Hewitt, P.H., Nel, J.J.C. & Conradie, S. Preliminary studies on the control of caste formation in the harvester termiteHodotermes mossambicus (Hagen). Ins. Soc 16, 159–172 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02223407
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02223407