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Sci Rep

Title:		Distinct chemical blends produced by different reproductive castes in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes
Author(s):		Eyer PA; Salin J; Helms AM; Vargo EL;
Address:		"Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2143, USA. pieyer@live.fr. Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2143, USA"
Journal Title:		Sci Rep
Year:		2021
Volume:		20210224
Issue:		1
Page Number:		4471 -
DOI:		10.1038/s41598-021-83976-6
ISSN/ISBN:		2045-2322 (Electronic) 2045-2322 (Linking)
Abstract:		"The production of royal pheromones by reproductives (queens and kings) enables social insect colonies to allocate individuals into reproductive and non-reproductive roles. In many termite species, nestmates can develop into neotenics when the primary king or queen dies, which then inhibit the production of additional reproductives. This suggests that primary reproductives and neotenics produce royal pheromones. The cuticular hydrocarbon heneicosane was identified as a royal pheromone in Reticulitermes flavipes neotenics. Here, we investigated the presence of this and other cuticular hydrocarbons in primary reproductives and neotenics of this species, and the ontogeny of their production in primary reproductives. Our results revealed that heneicosane was produced by most neotenics, raising the question of whether reproductive status may trigger its production. Neotenics produced six additional cuticular hydrocarbons absent from workers and nymphs. Remarkably, heneicosane and four of these compounds were absent in primary reproductives, and the other two compounds were present in lower quantities. Neotenics therefore have a distinct 'royal' blend from primary reproductives, and potentially over-signal their reproductive status. Our results suggest that primary reproductives and neotenics may face different social pressures. Future studies of these pressures should provide a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying social regulation in termites"
Keywords:		"Animals Hydrocarbons/metabolism *Isoptera/metabolism/physiology Nymph/metabolism/physiology Pheromones/metabolism *Reproduction/physiology Restraint, Physical/physiology;"
Notes:		"MedlineEyer, Pierre-Andre Salin, Jared Helms, Anjel M Vargo, Edward L eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2021/02/26 Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 24; 11(1):4471. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83976-6"