Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Insectes Sociaux

Publication Date

9-1-1981

Abstract

Biometric studies and physiological investigations made it possible to propose a scheme of post-embryonic development and polymorphism in Macrotermes michaelseni. An instar hitherto undescribed has been found and designated fourth instar. This instar is comprised of female larvae which moult into major presoldiers. Minor presoldiers moult from some of the third instar female larvae which are morphologically identical to the female worker larvae. Three instars were detected in the case of both minor and major worker development. Workers and soldiers are sterile castes. Nymphs develop from first instar larvae and moult through five instars before imaginal moult. © 1981 Masson.

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