Variability of salivary reservoirs among Reticulitermes flavipes castes

Termites are highly susceptible to desiccation, and moisture is a critical factor in their survival. Consequently, water relations govern many facets of termite biology. Termites posses a pair of salivary reservoirs that function in water storage. The stored water presumably is used to raise the humidity in unfavorable microclimates. It is hypothesized that variability in salivary reservoir size among termites is due to task specialization. The main objective of this research study was to evaluate the variability of salivary reservoirs among the different castes of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. Termites were collected from different locations, including food sources, shelter tubes and the nursery. Differences in salivary reservoir size and associated tasks within the colony will be discussed.