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The sternal gland: variation in size and activity in worker instars of Trinervitermes bettonianus (Sjöst) (Termitidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

G. W. Oloo
G. W. Oloo
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract

The sternal gland shows significant differences in size and activity in different instars of the worker caste of Trinervitermes bettonianus. Gland size (volume and surface area) was not significantly different between instars 1 and 2, and 2 and 3; but was significantly different between these age groups and instars 4–7. The potential trail-laying activity of the gland of a worker increased from zero to 50 trail units in the course of development from the first to seventh instar. The relatively high biological activity of the gland in the older instars 5–7 may be of ecological significance, since these stages were found to constitute over 90% of foragers under field conditions.

Keywords

Trinervitermes bettonianusworker instarssternal gland size and trail activityage polyethism
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 2 , Issue 3 , September 1981 , pp. 145 - 147
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1981

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References

REFERENCES

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