Age related polyethism and activity rhythms in the nest of the termite Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera, Termitidae)

Age polyethism and total activity of M. bellicosus were investigated by usi ng a newly developed marking method in combination with metal and photo det ectors. Running activity to and from the queen cell and through the nest ex it into a food arena were measured. With increasing age the workers change from the care of the queen to foraging activity. This change of activity fr om tasks inside the nest to tasks outside the nest took place between day 1 3 and 25 after adult moult for major and between day 9 and 32 after adult m oult for minor workers. The overall activity to the foraging arena revealed a clear 24-h rhythm, with the highest activity in the evening at 20:00 h a nd the lowest activity in the morning at 7:00 h.