CASTE DIFFERENTIATION AND REPRODUCTIVE DYNAMICS OF 3 SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES IN THE GENUS RETICULITERMES (ISOPTERA, RHINOTERMITIDAE)

Caste differentiation in pseudergates obtained from mature colonies of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), R. virginicus (Banks) and R. hageni Banks was investigated at 5 densities (10, 25, 50., 75 & 100). Caste differentiation occurred in all 3 species, and generally, soldiers for med before reproductives. More soldiers formed at higher pseudergate d ensities than at lower densities. Supplemental reproductives developed in all 3 species which included both secondary (nymphoid) and tertiar y (ergatoid) forms. Reticulitermes virginicus produced more reproducti ves than did R. flavipes or R. hageni. Additionally, more female repro ductives formed than male reproductives. Reproductives formed within 3 to 4 months after separation from the founding colony, and all 3 spec ies produced eggs that hatched. The number of eggs for the first clutc h of eggs for R. virginicus, R. flavipes and R. hageni was 41, 67 and 68, respectively. It may be appropriate to rethink termite control str ategies so as to not fractionate colonies during control procedures.