Differential predation of soldiers and workers of Cortaritermes fulviceps (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) by ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The termite neutral castes of the subfamily Nasutitermitinae differ regarding their defense system, thus this work aimed to evaluate if there are differences in the predatory activity of ants on soldiers (with chemical defense) and workers (without chemical defense) of Cortaritermes fulviceps (Silvestri). Tests were carried out using termite-baits (400/caste) pasted on the trunk of Inga marginata (Willd.) Kuntze (Fabaceae), a native tree species. The numbers of individuals of each caste antennated and those removed by the ants were assessed at 15, 30 and 60 minutes after the beginning of the tests. The differences between the number of soldiers and workers antennated by ants were not significant (15 minutes: chi(2)(Yates) =0; df= 1; P > 0.0 5 - 30 minutes: chi(2)(Yates)= 0.729; df= 1; P > 0.0 5 - 60 minutes: chi(2)(Yates) =0.287; df= 1; P > 0.0 5). However, significantly more workers than soldiers were removed (15 minutes: chi(2)(Yates)= 5.224; df=1; P<0.05 - 30 minutes: chi(2)(Yatea) =5.512; df=1; P<0-05-60 minutes: x(Yates)(2) =7.955; df= 1; P<0.0 1). The results suggest that ants discriminate between the neutral castes of the termite, preferably choosing workers. Tests in the laboratory were performed, where a soldier of C. fulviceps and a worker of Crematogaster quadriformis Roger (Formicidae, Myrmicinae) were placed on a mini-dish in order to verify if the soldier threw a frontal secretion toward the ant. Thirty replicas of the test were performed and for each one a control-dish with only C. fulviceps was made. In the treatment group there was a significantly higher number of soldiers releasing the secretion than in the control group (chi(2)(Yates) =15.600; df=1; P<0.001), indicating that the ants, and not other factors, such as stress, make this termite release their defense secretion.