Odor aversion and pathogen-removal efficiency in grooming behavior of the termite Coptotermes formosanus.

ABSTRACT: The results of biocontrol with entomopathogens in termites have been discouraging because of the strong social hygiene behavior for removing pathogens from termite colonies. However, the mechanism of pathogen detection is still unclear. For the successful application of biopesticides to termites in nature, it would be beneficial to identify substances that could disrupt the termite's ability to perceive pathogens. We hypothesized that termites can perceive pathogens and this ability plays an important role in effective hygiene behavior. In this study, pathogen-detection in the subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus was investigated. We performed quantitative assays on conidia removal by grooming behavior using epifluoresence microscopy and Y-maze tests to examine the perception of fun

SUBMITTER: Yanagawa A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3471821 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature