Effect of temperature on tunneling behavior of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Temperature is an important extrinsic stress factor that can influence the tunneling behavior of termites. In this study, we examined the effects of heat stress on tunneling behavior. Formosan subterranean termites from three different colony groups were exposed to 30˚C, 33˚C and 36 ˚C, and search tunnel distance and network patterns were measured at 1hr, 3hr, 7hr and 24hr. Results indicated a significant effect of heat stress on all tunneling parameters measured. As increased temperature can lead to induction of stress proteins, our next step is to test the induction changes of stress proteins at different temperatures and the relationship between tunneling behavior and stress protein induction.