All articles tagged with #termites
A study finds that long-term monogamy in termites reduced sperm competition, leading to the loss of sperm-motility genes and enabling a shift from solitary ancestors to highly social colonies, showing that social complexity can arise by pruning genetic complexity.
A study highlights the significant evolutionary influence of social insects like ants and termites over the past 50 million years, especially on mammals that have adapted to feed on them, though such specialized diets may pose risks if insect populations decline. The research underscores the powerful role of social insects in shaping biodiversity and environmental change, with ongoing exploration into their impact using natural history as an archive.
Aardwolves, the smallest of the four hyena species, are unique for their termite-based diet, consuming up to 300,000 termites each night using their specialized tongues. Unlike their meat-eating relatives, aardwolves have adapted to a solitary lifestyle in the savannahs and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. Their evolutionary path remains a mystery, with fossil evidence suggesting a divergence from other hyenas around 15 million years ago.
California, known for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is the largest emitter of the climate-warming pesticide sulfuryl fluoride in the U.S., accounting for 85% of the country's emissions. The pesticide is primarily used for termite fumigation, with 90% of the gas escaping into the atmosphere after tents are opened. Environmental groups have petitioned for its phase-out due to its significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions and human health risks. Despite opposition from the pesticide manufacturer, alternatives such as orange oil treatments are being promoted as safer and more environmentally friendly options.
Biologist Nobuaki Mizumoto and colleague Aleš Buček discovered a rare Baltic amber fossil of two ancient termites engaged in a courtship ritual, providing potential insight into the behavior of ancient insects. The researchers experimentally modeled the fossilization process and found that the termites' entrapment likely occurred gradually, challenging previous assumptions about instantaneous fossilization. While some caution is needed in inferring behavior from fossils, the detailed preservation in amber offers valuable glimpses into ancient animal behavior, shedding light on collective behavior and courtship rituals in termites.
Bizarre footage captured in Queensland, Australia, shows termites trapped in a "death spiral," where they walk in a circle until they die from exhaustion, a phenomenon observed in some colonies of social insects. The video, shot at a woodworking show, raises questions about how the termites ended up inside the fungus, with experts speculating on the possibility of intentional placement. Trail-following behavior in termites is controlled by specific pheromones, and the peculiar phenomenon is attributed to a disruption in their navigation system.
Bizarre footage captured in Queensland, Australia, shows termites engaged in a "death spiral," where they walk in a circle following each other until they die from exhaustion. This behavior, also observed in ants, is controlled by specific pheromones and can occur when foraging insects lose their way. The video, uploaded to a Facebook group, has sparked curiosity among experts, with some speculating on how the termites ended up in this unusual situation.
A 38 million-year-old piece of amber containing a pair of Electrotermes affinis termites has provided insight into the mating behavior of these long-extinct insects. The fossilized termites were found in a side-by-side position, suggesting they were likely engaged in tandem running, a common mating behavior in living termites. Researchers used 3D imaging to identify the male and female termites and recreated their final moments in a lab with living termites to understand how they got trapped in the resin. This discovery sheds light on the ancient behavior of termites and provides a rare glimpse into their mating rituals.
A pair of fossilized termites, believed to be 38 million years old, has been found in amber in a mating position, providing insight into the behavior of ancient insects. Researchers, including Auburn University Assistant Professor Nobuaki Mizumoto, studied the rare find and believe the termites were engaged in a tandem run when they became trapped in tree sap, which eventually hardened into amber. The team's findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, offer a unique glimpse into the mating behavior of an extinct termite species and shed light on the fossilization process.
Scientists conducted an experiment to understand how jumping spiders perceive their prey's color patterns. They attached capes to termites in different colors and presented them to the spiders. The findings revealed that while the spiders quickly spotted termites in striped capes, they rarely attacked them, providing an explanation for why many species use striking stripes to scare off predators. The research suggests that jumping spiders have an inherent ability to pinpoint striped patterns, making stripes an effective strategy to grab a predator's attention and reduce attacks.
Petroleum jelly, commonly known as Vaseline, can be used as a non-toxic solution to repel termites from your home. By creating a slippery and unpleasant barrier, petroleum jelly discourages termites from crawling through it. It is effective in protecting wooden furniture and can be applied to block the pathways termites use to enter your home. Aloe vera may also serve as an alternative repellent. Both substances are safe for use around the house but should be kept away from pets and children.
Spanish researchers have discovered dozens of fairy circles, circular patches of barren land encircled by vegetation, in arid areas across the globe. Using an artificial intelligence system, the researchers created the first global atlas of fairy circles and found them in 265 sites across 15 countries on three continents. The circles form in near-uniform hexagonal patterns and are more common than previously thought. They appear in sandy regions with water scarcity, low rainfall, and low nutrient content in the soil. While termites may play a role in some cases, other factors are considered more important. Further fieldwork is needed to unravel the mystery.
A newly discovered beetle, Austrospirachtha carrijoi, has evolved a remarkable mimicry strategy to trick termites into feeding it. The beetle grows a "puppet termite" on its back that closely resembles the termites' body segments and appendages. By begging for food from the termites, the beetle can live off termite room service once it infiltrates their nest. This mimicry is just one example of the rove beetles' mastery of mimicry, with some species even evolving to resemble army ants to feed on their eggs and young.
Termites can cause significant damage to homes, costing homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. However, a simple and cost-effective solution may lie in your kitchen: salt. By creating a saline solution with warm water and salt, you can create a termite-busting spray. Salt dehydrates termites, causing them to die. While this method is effective for small infestations, larger infestations may require professional extermination. To prevent re-entry, common entry points can be sealed with caulk, cement, and grout. Additionally, borate salt can be used to treat wood and eliminate termites by disrupting their gut bacteria.
Asian Subterranean termites, an invasive species, have been detected in Tampa for the first time, according to scientists from the University of Florida. The species, known for being a structural pest and harming urban tree canopies, has been found to be established in South Tampa. Researchers suspect that the initial infestation may have occurred seven to 10 years ago. The termite has reportedly restricted itself to tropical climates until now and has been detected in four southeast Florida cities. Pest control operators have been advised to regularly inspect trees for termite activity.