Competence of Macrotermes michaelseni (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae) larvae to differentiate into soldiers under the influence of juvenile hormone analogue (ZR-515, methoprene)

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Journal of Insect Physiology

Name of Author

B. M. Okot-Kotber, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi

Publication Date

1-1-1980

Abstract

It has been shown that only third instar larvae of Macrotermes michaelseni have the competence to differentiate into presoldiers under the influence of juvenile hormone analogue (JHA). The timing of events leading to presoldier formation was independent of JHA dose above the threshold. Further studies with homogeneous groups of third instar larvae of different ages showed that only larvae of a certain age (0-6 days) could respond to topically applied JHA to produce presoldiers and intercastes (intermediate forms). Older larvae did not respond, hence, 0-6 days interval is the competence period for presoldier differentiation in this species. It seems also that the corpora allata of those individuals which differentiate into presoldiers become activated during the competence period, possibly by the parents or other means. © 1980.

Recommended Citation

Okot-Kotber, B. (1980). Competence of Macrotermes michaelseni (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae) larvae to differentiate into soldiers under the influence of juvenile hormone analogue (ZR-515, methoprene). Journal of Insect Physiology, 26 (10), 655-659. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1910(80)90037-2