1986/03/01 by Nan-Yao Su, Nan‐Yao Su, Jeffery P. LaFage · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Plant and animal studies #Insect and Pesticide Research
paper · doi:10.1093/aesa/79.2.312
Laboratory groups of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, had ca. 2% soldier proportions under starvation conditions and ca. 11% when food was provided, regardless of initial soldier proportions. In the absence of food, soldiers were starved or cannibalized before workers were sacrificed. Data suggest that soldiers may represent an emergency food ration for colony survival under starvation conditions.