Distribution and composition of colony founding associations of a subterranean termite,Reticulitermes kanmonensis

Abstract

We investigated distribution and sexual composition of founding associations of Reticulitermes kanmonensis, the Japanese subterranean termite, which occurs only in the Kanmon area. These properties are discussed in relation to body size and mitochondrial genotype of the dealates. The founding colonies showed a highly aggregated distribution with a 'hot spot' of colony founding; however, mitochondrial haplotypes of the dealates suggested random mating. Monogamous colonies were predominant, but solitary colonies and colonies with two females and/or males also occurred. Paired dealates tended to be larger than solitary founders, suggesting that both sexes were under sexual selection related to body size.

Size and heterozygosity influence partner selection in the Formosan subterranean termite

“… Matsuura and Nishida (2001) reported that males of a Japanese subterranean termite, R. speratus , paired with heavier females; females apparently gain fitness advantage from pairing with heavier males, because they gain more weight if they pair with large males. Kitade et al (2004) showed that paired dealates in incipient colonies of R. kanmonensis tended to be larger in head width and male pronotal length than solitary reproductives, which suggests sexual selection for body size (via intrasexual competition or mate choice) in both sexes. As in our study, body weight was correlated between paired males and females, but no such correlation was found in head width or pronotal length ( Kitade et al 2004 ).…”

“… Matsuura and Nishida (2001) reported that males of Reticulitermes speratus paired with heavier females. Kitade et al (2004) showed that paired dealates in Reticulitermes kanmonensis tended to be larger in head width, pronotal length, and body weight than solitary colony founders. These studies did not investigate whether these physical parameters were correlated to genetic traits.…”

Sex pheromones and trail-following pheromone in the basal termites Zootermopsis nevadensis (Hagen) and Z. angusticollis (Hagen) (Isoptera: Termopsidae: Termopsinae)

“…Because both sexes provide extensive care to young, especially during the first year of colony development, mate choosiness by both sexes is expected in such species (Shellman‐Reeve, 1999). Physical attributes, such as fat content, body weight, head width, kinship affiliation and even level of genetic heterozygosity, appear to be key attributes for pair‐forming males and females (Shellman‐Reeve, 1999, 2001; Matsuura & Nishida, 2001; Kitade et al ., 2004; Husseneder & Simms, 2008). Moreover, males and females appear to have different criteria and mating strategies when choosing a partner (Shellman‐Reeve, 1999; Husseneder & Simms, 2008).…”

Molecular Characteristics of Subterranean Termites of the GenusReticulitermes(Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) from Korea

“…The Sequence of the species showed a complete match with the Japanese R. kanmonensis (DQ493731), which was Þrst introduced in Kanmon, Japan (Nawa 1911(Nawa , 1912a(Nawa ,b, 1917. Although Kitade et al (2004) have collected this species both on the coast and inland, it was restricted to coastal areas on the Honshu and Kyushu sides of the Kanmon strait. In Korea, this species was collected near a port that frequently ofßoads wooden products from abroad, suggesting that wooden materials imported from Japan and other countries have contributed to anthropogenic introductions of these species into the country.…”