INFLUENCE OF GROUP SIZE ON SARCOSOMAL ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOUR OF HODOTERMES MOSSAMBICUS ALATE TERMITES

Hodotermes mossambicus alates confined in large groups (40-60 individuals) did not oviposit and most of the individuals retained their wings and exhibited social behaviour. The flight muscle mitochondria were still able to oxidize α-glycerophosphate and pyruvate+malate after 15 days of confinement under these conditions. Pairs, on the other hand, laid eggs and showed aggressive behaviour. The ability of the flight muscle mitochondria to utilize α-glycerophosphate or pyruvate+malate was almost completely lost. The results obtained with individuals held in solitary confinement were intermediate between those obtained with pairs and groups. © 1969.