Bionomics and formation of "Bonsai" colonies with long term rearing of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Authors: Osbrink, Weste; Cornelius, Mary; Showler, Allan

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2015
Publication Date: 12/10/2015
Citation: Osbrink, W.L., Cornelius, M.L., Showler, A. 2015. Bionomics and formation of "Bonsai" colonies with long term rearing of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 109(2):770-778.

Interpretive Summary: This laboratory study reports the ability of Formosan subterranean termite colonies to survive for at least nine years while restricted to a sweater box. Colonies survived by limiting queen size and worker numbers, allowing these bonsai colonies to thrive. Queens were no bigger in nine year old colonies than in six year old colonies, as were the number of workers. Such colony survival under conditions of restricted resources provides a mechanism for re-infestation of areas following extensive area wide control efforts. "Bonsai" colonies are relevant to the ability of marginalized colonies to avoid detection and then expand and invade into areas once the large, mature colonies are eliminated. "Bonsai" colonies are also relevant because of their potential to produce alates to start new C. formosanus colonies in areas which have been subjected to colony elimination programs.

Technical Abstract: This laboratory study reports the ability of Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, colonies to survive for at least 9-yr while restricted to a sweater box. Colonies survived by limiting queen size and worker numbers, allowing these bonsai colonies to thrive. Queen physogastry appeared to plateau with 9-yr-old queens not larger than 6-yr-old queens, but nearly triple the size of 2-yr-old queens. Nine year old colony worker numbers not greater than 6-yr-old colonies but worker numbers were greater than in 2-yr-old colonies. Such colony survival under conditions of restricted resources provides a mechanism for re-infestation of areas following extensive area wide control efforts. "Bonsai" colonies are relevant to the ability of marginalized colonies to avoid detection and then expand and invade into areas once the large, mature colonies are eliminated. "Bonsai" colonies are also relevant because of their potential to produce alates to start new C. formosanus colonies in areas which have been subjected to colony elimination programs.