One year census of Reticulitermes virginicus and Reticulitermes malletei incipient laboratory colonies

Alates of Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks) and Reticulitermes malletei Clément were collected from various sites in Clarke County, Georgia, paired into inbred and outbred monogyne and polygyne (5-pairs, 2-females) groups, and placed into a plastic container containing moistened mulch. After one year, the incipient colonies were destructively sampled and the numbers of eggs, larvae, workers, soldiers, and royals counted. The results indicated species differences in laboratory colony population growth between R. virginicus and R. malletei. In R. virginicus colonies, 5-pair polygyne groups produced higher numbers of progeny on average (mean worker count= 365.63) in comparison to monogyne groups (mean worker count= 124.22) but shared similar survivorship. There was no evidence of polyandry in R. virginicus colonies. In R. malletei colonies, monogyne groups produced higher numbers of progeny on average (mean worker count= 61.75) and survivorship in comparison to polygyne groups (mean worker count= 51.00). Polyandry was observed in 5.3% and polygyny in 2.6% of the 5-pair polygyne groups. In both species, none of the 2-female polygyne colonies produced any progeny.