Caste-Dependent Interspecific Tolerance Permits Alien Reproductives to Reproduce Within Host Colonies in Reticulitermes Termites Under Laboratory Conditions.

ABSTRACT: Nestmate recognition is the primary defense mechanism maintaining the integrity of eusocial insect colonies. While social parasitism is widespread in Hymenoptera, it is rarely documented in termites, and the behavioral boundaries preventing interspecific infiltration remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the potential for interspecific integration between two closely related termite species under laboratory conditions. We introduced Reticulitermes labralis workers and reproductives (queens and kings) into orphaned groups of R. aculabialis. We found that host workers exhibited caste-dependent aggression: introduced workers were immediately attacked and eliminated, whereas alien reproductives were partially tolerated. Surviving alien reproductives successfully integra

SUBMITTER: Bai ZD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12842407 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature