ELIMINATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY REPRODUCTIVES IN TERMITE KALOTERMES-FLAVICOLLIS (FABR)

1. The production and elimination of supplementary (or replacement) reproductives were studied in small laboratory colonies. Most supernumerary reproductives were eliminated during the first three days after their apparition. 2. It could be shown that the supplementary (and primary) reproductives participate actively in the elimination process: in the course of many short attacks other reproductives are injured. Like all injured individuals they then become victims of the cannibalism of larvae and nymphs. 3. Elimination is carried out on the whole more vigorously by the females than by the males. This is especially apparent when reproductives of the opposed sex are eliminated. 4. Reproductives with amputated antenae do not actively take part in elimination. This leads to the conclusion that the reproductives give off odours (olfactive pheromones) which induce the elimination behaviour. Sex-specific as well as individual odours seem to be recognized and distinguished by the reproductives. © 1969 Masson & Cie.