Vibratory alarm signals in two sympatric higher termite species: Pseudacanthotermes spiniger and P-militaris (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae)

When they are disturbed soldiers of the two termite species Pseudacanthoter mes spiniger and P. militaris hit the substratum with their head, thereby p roducing sounds. High-speed video recordings allowed us to analyze the move ment. The sound emissions were recorded and their temporal structure was an alyzed. Artificial stimulation proved that head-banging acts as an alarm si gnal transmitted through the vibrations produced in the substratum, percept ion of these vibrations induced a polyethic response. Workers reacted to he ad-banging by escaping. Minor soldiers reacted by escaping, becoming immobi le, or head-banging, thereby indicating the existence of positive feedback in signal production. Differences in the rime patterns of the drumming appe ared between both species but could nor be shown to play a role in species recognition.