Termite Trail Marking Behavior

Sharon Deal and Jim Pierson

Overview

The use of chemical communication among most animal groups is a widely documented occurrence and continues to turn up in most phyla that are examined. Chemical releasers or pheromones serve a variety of functions including sex attractants, alarm signals, and trail marking. In this activity, which can be used as either a lab or a quick demonstration, the trail marking behavior of the eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) is examined. This lab is based on the observation that the solvent found in the ink of select pens chemically mimics the trail marking pheromone of this species. Students are given sets of pens that do and do not elicit trail marking behavior, and then asked to develop and test hypotheses.

Biological Topics

• pheromones • proximate and ultimate causation

• scientific method

Class Time

If used as a demonstration of trail marking behavior 10 minutes will be required. If used as an open-ended experimental investigation one class period will be needed.

Background Information

Students should be familiar with the scientific method of setting up and testing controlled experiments and explaining behavior in terms of proximate and ultimate causation.

Materials

Cultures of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, can easily be collected throughout its range especially in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states. Common nesting sites include dead trees, decaying logs, stumps etc. in the forest, or in the foundation of timbers of structures in which the wood is near or in contact with the soil. Specimens can also be acquired from biological supply houses and even from insect exterminator companies, however, make sure that you request this specific species. Each lab group will require the following:

• one or two workers of the species Reticulitermes flavipes

• blank sheet of white paper

• set of pens of various colors, makes, and types

• small, soft paint brush to transfer and manipulate the insects

Teacher Preparation

This species of termite can easily be maintained in a high school biology lab. We have kept active colonies for the entire school year. We have had best luck when culturing them in a covered glass terrarium with several centimeters of soil at the bottom. Pieces of partially decomposed wood and brown paper towel are added as needed. Make sure to keep the environment moist and out of direct sunlight.

Trial and error with different types of pens should produce a response when termite workers are placed on paper with various freshly inked lines. We have found that certain types Schafer and Bic pens work well. Try various types and colors before giving them to the students. Some students will want to try felt-tip pens as well, so that can be part of the experimental process. One suggestion is to give each lab group a pen (of different colors or brands) that is sure to elicit a response. For example, one lab group would receive an "active" pen that is blue, while another group would receive an "active" pen that is black, thereby leading them to different, but valid, conclusions based on their experiments.

Extensions / Variations

• You may wish to dissect the termites to examine the mutualistic symbionts within the mid-gut.

• Have students research the sensory apparatus on insects involved in the detection of pheromones.

• Determine how long the ink trail will be effective.

• Determine how sharp a turn the termites can make when following a trail.

About the Authors

Sharon Deal is a biology teacher at Ridge View High School in Columbia, South Carolina. She can be contacted at Ridge View High School, 4801 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Phone: (803) 699-2999. E-mail: aesdeal@ix.netcom.com

Jim Pierson is a biology teacher at Abington Friends School in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

He can be contacted at Abington Friends School, 575 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, PA 19046. Phone: (215) 886-4350. E-mail: jpierson@afs.pvt.k12.pa.us

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Dr. John B. Simeone Entomology Professor Emeritus at the State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry who demonstrated this behavior of trail marking behavior.

Name:________________________Date:_________Period:____

Trail Marking Behavior in Termites

You will be given samples of live termites, several pens, and white paper. On the same sheet of paper, draw lines of various widths, lengths, and designs with the various pens you have at your lab station.

Using the soft brush, transfer several of the termites to the prepared paper. Observe the behavior of the termites. If your termites walk off the edge of your paper, gently coax them back with your paintbrush. Record observations with regard to the responses to the various lines. Be sure and keep track of which pens were used for each line. Propose a hypothesis for this behavior. Do the termites seem to be attracted to some lines more than others? Why?

Plan and design an experiment to test your hypothesis. Conduct the experiment. Write a group lab report and turn it in to your instructor.

Give a proximate and ultimate explanation for the behavior you observe.

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