0454257 - ÚOCHB 2016 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Cristaldo, P. F. - Jandák, V. - Kutalová, Kateřina - Rodrigues, V. B. - Brothánek, M. - Jiříček, O. - DeSouza, O. - Šobotník, J.
The nature of alarm communication in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Termitoidea: Termitidae): the integration of chemical and vibroacoustic signals.
Biology Open. Roč. 4, č. 12 (2015), s. 1649-1659. ISSN 2046-6390. E-ISSN 2046-6390
Institutional support: RVO:61388963
Keywords : alarm communication * alarm pheromone * defence * Isoptera * Nasutitermitinae * vibroacoustic communication
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 2.135, year: 2015
http://bio.biologists.org/content/biolopen/4/12/1649.full.pdf

In termites, vibroacoustic and chemical alarm signalling are bound to operate synergistically but have never been studied simultaneously in a single species. Here, we inspected the functional significance of both communication channels in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), confirming the hypothesis that these are not exclusive, but rather complementary processes. The frontal gland of soldiers produces a rich mixture of terpenoid compounds. Extensive testing led to identification of the alarm pheromone being composed of abundant monoterpene hydrocarbons (1S)-alpha-pinene and myrcene, along with a minor component, (E)-beta-ocimene. The vibratory alarm signalling consists of vibratory movements evidenced as bursts produced predominantly by soldiers. Exposing termite groups to various mixtures containing the alarm pheromone resulted in significantly higher activity in the tested groups and also increased intensity of the vibratory alarm communication, with the responses clearly dose-dependent. Lower doses of the pheromone provoked higher numbers of vibratory signals compared to higher doses. Higher doses induced long-term running of all termites without stops necessary to perform vibratory behaviour. Our results demonstrate the existence of different alarm levels in termites, with lower levels being communicated through vibratory signals, and higher levels causing general alarm or retreat being communicated through the alarm pheromone.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0254986