Further observations on intercaste communication in Kalotermes flavicollis: frequence of vibratory movements under different experimental conditions

Abstract

The longitudinal vibratory movements (LVMs) and the convulsive vibratory movements (CVMs) which occur in K. flavicollis have been studied. Both movements are predominantly performed by nymphs and pseudoergates with different frequencies depending on the caste ratio within the colony. Physical stimuli (such as light intensity variations and substrate vibrations), chemical (inorganic and organic compounds) and biological (individuals of other insect species) induced an increase in both movements, that is much higher for CVM than for LVM.

KEY WORDS:

• behaviour
• communication
• vibratory movements
• Kalotermes flavicollis
• termite