JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology

Composition of different castes in the subterranean termite Odontotermes horni (Wasmann) nest

Author: N. G. KUMAR

Abstract :

An investigation was conducted at GKVK in Bengaluru, India, to study the composition of subterranean termite nests built by Odontotermes horni. The study revealed that eggs were found in groups on the primary depository, while nymphs of workers, soldiers, and alates were observed in the fungus combs. The nymphs formed most of the colony population, with workers being more numerous and dimorphic with major and minor forms. Soldiers were found to be associated with the workers as guards during various activities. The royal pair (king and queen) was situated in the royal chamber, with two queens and a king observed in one of the nests. The king and physogastric queen measured 12.6 and 61.5 mm in length, respectively. Adult alates were seen in the alate waiting chamber before emergence.

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