Connectivity and climate change drive the global distribution of highly invasive termites

NeoBiota, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 92, P. 281 - 314

Published: April 30, 2024

Termites are amongst the most abundant and ecologically-important groups of insects in tropical forests. However, destructive potential some species amounts to billions dollars damage each year. Despite their economic ecological impacts, only a limited number invasive termite have been studied using distribution modelling no studies taken trade, transport demography variables into account. We used Species Distribution Models (SDMs) investigate 10 highly-invasive termites. Our study includes bioclimatic conditions, land-use patterns, elevation connectivity predictors (i.e. urban areas, human population, accessibility cities private vessels), alongside different climatic socioeconomic change scenarios. The hinges on variables, highlighting significance these latter factors analyses. models demonstrate termites thrive large urbanised connected areas within subtropical regions lesser extent temperate regions. As climate changes urbanisation intensifies, species’ range could expand, particularly under “fossil fuel-driven development” scenario. Furthermore, while may slightly reduced range, they extend presence more increasing risks costs associated with damages. highlight anticipated role growing dynamics facilitating widespread proliferation coming years.

Language: Английский

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A Breeding System Derived From Asexual Queen Succession in Termite Colonies From Cold Climate Regions

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 21, 2025

In social insects, geographic variation is often accompanied not only by physiological changes but also in their system. the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus that exhibits a sophisticated system, colonies subtropical and temperate areas are founded pair of primary king queen derived from sexually produced alates. Some years after colony establishment, many neotenic queens parthenogenetically, which known as asexual succession (AQS). This strategy boosts reproduction without inbreeding. Here we show subarctic populations R. speratus, where alates cannot be sustained due to cold conditions, undergo inbreeding rather than AQS, with headed numerous reproductives. Genetic analysis found most were populations, asexually. Rearing experiments using consisting nymphs (reproductive-destined individuals) workers revealed more successfully established reproductives higher number individuals maintained populations. These results suggest highly predisposed develop into reproductives, whereas developmental potential predominantly directed towards becoming study demonstrates has adjusted colder climatic zones changing its AQS reproductive system secondary maintain colonies, elucidating flexible adaptation acclimation systems insects.

Language: Английский

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Seasonal variation in endoreduplication and polyteny in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae): How does it contribute to adaptation?

European Journal of Entomology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 122, P. 1 - 10

Published: Jan. 28, 2025

Language: Английский

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Reproduction by worker-derived kings under natural conditions in the termite Reticulitermes speratus

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 22, 2025

A defining feature of eusociality is the presence a lifelong sterile caste, such as workers and soldiers, that forgo reproduction entirely. In many species, however, are not absolutely but instead functionally sterile—they retain reproductive potential can be expressed under certain conditions. Why this persists despite evolutionary expectation trait loss remains an open question. study, we present first field-based evidence worker-derived male reproductives, previously known only from laboratory observations, successfully reproduce natural conditions in subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. survey 702 field colonies identified one colony containing kings. Microsatellite genotyping confirmed these individuals reproduced via mother–son inbreeding, caste fate their offspring matched expected pattern for matings between kings nymph-derived queens. Importantly, no nymphs—the usual precursors reproductives—were colony. Further investigation revealed 40% surveyed (6 out 15) entirely lacked nymphs, indicating may occur with non-negligible frequency wild. These findings suggest males gain rare functional opportunities when typical reproductives absent, thereby maintaining capacity over timescales. This study provides important insight into mechanisms preserve totipotency eusocial underscores value examining roles contexts to better understand evolution permanent sterility true superorganismality.

Language: Английский

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How do termite baits work? implication of subterranean termite colony demography on the successful implementation of baits

Journal of Economic Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 19, 2024

Abstract In 1995, the launch of first commercial chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait led to transformation subterranean termite control industry around world. Their slow mode action, which relies on both their ability be transferred among nestmates and molting biology, has made them cost-effective solutions for colony elimination while minimizing introduction pesticides into soil toward an environmentally sustainable strategy. However, despite successful implementations, acceptance use varies within pest Notably, nuanced complexity how CSI baits lead upon feeding by foragers has, in part, remained elusive past 3 decades, allowing long-lasting misconceptions persist. A recent series studies since provided complementary elements understanding utilize termites’ inherent demography, behavior, physiology trigger after a characteristic succession events collapse process. I here provide synthetic overview characteristics when exposed using Coptotermes (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Heterotermitidae) as primary model system. The changes demography through reflect action makes prime solution management. Following decades innovation, ongoing interactions researchers, product manufacturers, management providers must continue bring existing emerging problems

Language: Английский

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The potential of 20-hydroxyecdysone to accelerate termite baiting programs

Journal of Economic Entomology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 15, 2025

Abstract While chitin synthesis inhibitor baits are environmentally friendly and sustainable measures to control subterranean termites compared conventional termiticides, the lengthy time required eliminate a termite colony is perceived as drawback for both homeowners pest industry. Recent efforts have focused on overcoming such problem by accelerating baiting process. To accelerate elimination, 20-hydroxyecdysone was proposed potential active ingredient due its similar mode of action observed in inhibitors. Termites ingesting displayed hyperecdysonism, mortality occurred much faster than with inhibitor-ingesting termites. However, trial alone mixed noviflumuron intact colonies Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki failed elimination feeding cessation. bypass this issue, lower concentrations may be necessary sequential inhibitors been proposed. In review, few more approaches were summarized which can used program.

Language: Английский

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Estimation of the Damage Risk Range and Activity Period of Termites (Reticulitermes speratus) in Korean Wooden Architectural Heritage Building Sites

Forests, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(4), P. 602 - 602

Published: March 26, 2024

Korean wooden architectural heritage buildings are often damaged by termites, and climate change is expected to exacerbate the problem. To prevent termite damage, it necessary identify habitat range activity period of termites. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed ecological characteristics Reticulitermes speratus, dominant species in South Korea, past damage records buildings, data (2000–2019). We determined that infestations could potentially occur 98.5% total studied area, except for a few mountainous regions Korea. addition, termites were active an average 209 days per year. The appears be gradually expanding, possibly as result combination anthropogenic interventions, rising temperatures caused change, future, imperative implement enhanced preventive control measures preserve original

Language: Английский

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A method for estimating colony size using queen fecundity in termites under field conditions

The Science of Nature, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 110(4)

Published: July 17, 2023

Language: Английский

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Characterization of Low-Temperature Enzymatic Reactions through Heterologous Expression and Functional Analysis of Two Beta-Glucosidases from the Termite Symbiotic Bacterium Elizabethkingia miricola Strain BM10

Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 51(4), P. 270 - 282

Published: July 1, 2023

Lower termites need symbiotic microbes for cellulose digestion. Elizabethkingia miricola strain BM10 has been proposed as a microbe that assists in low-temperature digestion and metabolism of Reticulitermes speratus KMT1, termite on Bukhan Mountain, Seoul, Korea. In E. BM10, β-glucosidase genes expressed at 10°C were identified, the psychrophilic enzymatic characteristic was confirmed by heterogeneously proteins. Crude culture broth showed specific properties, its substrate affinity 4.69 times higher than Cellic CTec2. Among β-glucosidase, two genes, bglB_1 bglA_2, whose gene expression more doubled 30°C, identified. They Escherichia coli identified enzymes with an optimal reaction temperature about 20°C–25°C. this study, bacterium lower termites, produced β-glucosidases contribute to spread habitat termite, R. KMT1.

Language: Английский

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Seasonal nutrient fluctuations in Reticulitermes flavipes workers and soldiers

Insectes Sociaux, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 71(3), P. 261 - 269

Published: May 31, 2024

Language: Английский

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