Journal Article

Seasonal nutrient fluctuations in Reticulitermes flavipes workers and soldiers

Nighswander, N. J., Judd, T. M.

2024

Overview

Eastern subterranean termite,  Reticulitermes   flavipes  Kollar (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), colonies forage from multiple wood and soil sources in a temperate climate. Thus, access to all nutrients may not be consistent throughout the year due to seasonal temperature changes. This study examined the changes in levels of protein, lipids, carbohydrates (simple sugars and glycogen), and amino acids in workers and soldiers during four different time intervals of the year (spring, early summer, late summer, and fall) when termites would be actively foraging. Workers and soldiers did show differences in nutrient levels and in both castes, levels of all nutrients did change seasonally. Based on the results of this study, both castes increase levels of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids as winter approaches. These findings suggest that termite soldiers may act as repletes for the colony.

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Amino acids / Biomedical and Life Sciences / Blattodea / Carbohydrates / Castes / Entomology / Food / Forage / Foraging behavior / Glycogen / Glycogens / Insects / Life Sciences / Lipids / Nutrients / Proteins / Reagents / Research Article / Reticulitermes flavipes / soil / Soldiers (insect caste) / spring / Summer / temperate zones / temperature / Termites / Winter / wood / Workers (insect caste)