Both biotic and abiotic factors were investigated as to their influence on the development of supplemental reproductives in the subterranean termites, Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks) and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Isolation of small groups of termites from the main colonies resulted in the development of second and third form reproductives. When environmental parameters were altered, there were differences in both the survival rates of test insects as well as the development times. Secondary colonies developed faster at 25oC and 30oC than at 15oC and 20oC. Groups of pseudergates held at these temperatures developed replacement reproductives and soldiers. The time required to replace the primary female with a supplemental reproductive was 5.8 and 6.6 wks for R. virginicus and R. flavipes, respectively. Male replacements required 8.5 and 11.5 wks for development. The presence of nymphs and soldiers did not effect the developmental times of the types of replacement reproductives that developed. Factors shown to influence the development of secondary reproductives were temperature, group size, and removal of either the primary queen or king.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes virginicus (Southern Subterranean Termite)
Species 2: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes flavipes (Eastern Subterranean Termite)
Keywords: Supplemental Reproductives
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