Termite Molting Process

Given that chitin synthesis inhibitor csi incorporated baits disrupt the molting process of workers that comprises the major population of a termite colony temporal assessment of molting frequency in workers can give insights into potential methods of reducing the time to eliminate a csi baited colony.

Termite molting process. Despite its importance in termite development the molting process is not well understood due to the termites cryptic behaviors and social organization. Basically all termites start as eggs and all eggs are capable of developing into any caste. The workers can undergo a two stage molt and become soldiers. They cannot molt successfully unless aided by adult worker termites which help them shed their outer skin by chewing it off.

So in chapter 2 our first objective was to describe the ecdysis process of page 17. The bait contains an insect growth regulator that prevents the successful completion of the termite s vital molting process. The worker nymph stage usually consists of about 7 molts or instars in which the nymph gradually assumes its adult morphology. First a termite develops a soft exoskeleton under its current hard exoskeleton.

Research at the university of florida has found that termites consistently return to their central nest to molt a behavior that can be put to use in termite management efforts. To understand the csi effects on termite molting we first need to understand the normal molting process. Most species prefer dead wood but some termites feed on living trees. Older termites can even undergo regressive molts and go back to an earlier stage.

Termites get nutrients from cellulose an organic fiber found in wood and plant matter. Then once the termite has reached maturity its outermost skeleton splits open and the new exoskeleton enlarges and hardens. The eggs hatch into larvae and through a series of molts the larvae develop into workers. However some types of drywood and dampwood termites are able to molt without assistance.

As formosan subterranean termites coptotermes formosanus begin to molt their outer exoskeletal layer is shed from the body leaving a new one behind as can be seen in some of the termites above. The cellulose material in the bait station is then replaced with a chemical inhibitor retarding the molting process in termites and preventing them from growing. How do termites find the sentricon stations. Worker termites are constantly foraging for new food sources even if there is an ample supply present.

Timing varies depending on the time of year geography number of termites in the colony and the number of colonies attacking the structure. Worker termites which constantly forage for wood to feed their colony locate the cellulose bait stations and leave special scent trails to summon their mates to the food source. In fact termites can forage distances greater than 100 yards as they search for new food sources.