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characterization of antibacterial activities of eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes, against human pathogens.the emergence and dissemination of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens necessitate research to find new antimicrobials against these organisms. we investigated antimicrobial production by eastern subterranean termites, reticulitermes flavipes, against a panel of bacteria including three multidrug resistant (mdr) and four non-mdr human pathogens. we determined that the crude extract of naïve termites had a broad-spectrum activity against the non-mdr bacteria but it was ineffective against the ...201627611223
characterization of the core and caste-specific microbiota in the termite, reticulitermes flavipes.the hindgut of the termite reticulitermes flavipes harbors a complex symbiotic community consisting of protists, bacteria, and archaea. these symbionts aid in the digestion of lignocellulose from the termite's wood meal. termite hindguts were sampled and the v4 hyper-variable region of the 16s rrna gene was sequenced and analyzed from individual termites. the core microbiota of worker termites consisted of 69 otus at the 97% identity level, grouped into 16 taxa, and together accounted for 67.05% ...201626925043
antimicrobial activity of actinobacteria isolated from the guts of subterranean termites.subterranean termites need to minimize potentially pathogenic and competitive fungi in their environment in order to maintain colony health. we examined the ability of actinobacteria isolated from termite guts in suppressing microorganisms commonly encountered in a subterranean environment. guts from two subterranean termite species, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) and reticulitermes tibialis banks, were extracted and plated on selective chitin media. a total of 38 actinobacteria isolates were ...201628028088
antimicrobial activity of actinobacteria isolated from the guts of subterranean termites.subterranean termites need to minimize potentially pathogenic and competitive fungi in their environment in order to maintain colony health. we examined the ability of actinobacteria isolated from termite guts in suppressing microorganisms commonly encountered in a subterranean environment. guts from two subterranean termite species, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) and reticulitermes tibialis banks, were extracted and plated on selective chitin media. a total of 38 actinobacteria isolates were ...201627680020
characterization of a laccase from a wood-feeding termite, coptotermes formosanus.coptotermes formosanus shiraki is a wood-feeding termite which secretes a series of lignolytic and cellulolytic enzymes for woody biomass degradation. however, the lignin modification mechanism in the termite is largely elusive, and the characteristics of most lignolytic enzymes in termites remain unknown. in this study, a laccase gene lac1 from c. formosanus was heterogeneously expressed in insect sf9 cells. the purified lac1 showed strong activities toward hydroquinone (305 mu/mg) and 2,6-dime ...201627800659
reinvasion dynamics of subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) following the elimination of all detectable colonies in a large area.following the elimination of all detectable termite colonies in the 32-acre louis armstrong park in new orleans, la, in 2002–2003, termite activity was monitored by using 808 sentricon stations. between january 2004 and july 2005, termites were found in 8–11 stations. in august 2005, the park was flooded by hurricane katrina, but termites remained active. post-katrina termite activity levels of 16–21 stations were recorded throughout 2006, and in october 2007, the activity drastically increased ...201626896535
molecular signatures of nicotinoid-pathogen synergy in the termite gut.previous studies in lower termites revealed unexpected synergies between nicotinoid insecticides and fungal entomopathogens. the present study investigated molecular mechanisms of nicotinoid-pathogen synergy in the lower termite reticulitermes flavipes, using the nicotinoid, imidacloprid, in combination with fungal and bacterial entomopathogens. particular focus was placed on metatranscriptome composition and microbial dynamics in the symbiont-rich termite gut, which houses diverse mixes of prot ...201525837376
toxicity of turmeric extracts to the termite reticulitermes flavipes (blattodea: rhinotermitidae).turmeric is an important spice crop with documented human health benefits associated with chemicals called curcuminoids. in this study, the termite reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) was exposed to different solvent extracts of turmeric to investigate potential termiticidal properties. treating termites with hexane extracts of purified lab-grade curcuminoids had no effect on termites. however, in continuous exposure assays, the lc(50) for hexane extracts of crude turmeric powder was 9.6 mg, or 1.0 ...201526470286
biotransformation of explosives by reticulitermes flavipes--associated termite endosymbionts.termites have an important role in the carbon and nitrogen cycles despite their reputation as destructive pests. with the assistance of microbial endosymbionts, termites are responsible for the conversion of complex biopolymers into simple carbon substrates. termites also rely on endosymbionts for fixing and recycling nitrogen. as a result, we hypothesize that termite bacterial endosymbionts are a novel source of metabolic pathways for the transformation of nitrogen-rich compounds like explosive ...201424854223
trichonympha burlesquei n. sp. from reticulitermes virginicus and evidence against a cosmopolitan distribution of trichonympha agilis in many termite hosts.historically, symbiotic protists in termite hindguts have been considered to be the same species if they are morphologically similar, even if they are found in different host species. for example, the first-described hindgut and hypermastigote parabasalian, trichonympha agilis (leidy, 1877) has since been documented in six species of reticulitermes, in addition to the original discovery in reticulitermes flavipes. here we revisit one of these, reticulitermes virginicus, using molecular phylogene ...201323918788
ability of field populations of coptotermes spp., reticulitermes flavipes, and mastotermes darwiniensis (isoptera: rhinotermitidae; mastotermitidae) to damage plastic cable sheathings.a comparative field study was conducted to evaluate the ability of subterranean termites to damage a set of four different plastic materials (cable sheathings) exposed below- and above-ground. eight pest species from six countries were included, viz., coptotermes formosanus (shiraki) in china, japan, and the united states; coptotermes gestroi (wasmann) in thailand and malaysia; coptotermes curvignathus (holmgren) and coptotermes kalshoveni (kemner) in malaysia; coptotermes acinaciformis (froggat ...201323865207
consumption of a durable termite bait matrix by subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) and resulting insecticidal activity.a novel durable termite bait was developed to enable continuous bait availability and lengthen the monitoring interval to 1 year. laboratory studies were conducted to determine the palatability and insecticidal activity of this bait to reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), r. virginicus (banks), r. hesperus banks, coptotermes formosanus shiraki and heterotermes aureus (synder).201323034865
genetic evidence for multiple invasions of the eastern subterranean termite into canada.social insects are among the world's most successful species at invading new environments. their characteristic division of labor can influence their capacity to colonize new habitats, often with negative ecological or economic impact. the social hymenoptera (i.e., ants, bees, and wasps), are well studied in this regard, but much less is known about the invasive biology of termites (isoptera). in this study we use province-wide sampling and a population genetic analysis to infer the minimum numb ...201223321118
evidence of a conserved functional role for dna methylation in termites.many organisms are capable of developing distinct phenotypes from the same genotype. this developmental plasticity is particularly prevalent in insects, which can produce alternate adaptive forms in response to distinct environmental cues. the ability to develop divergent phenotypes from the same genotype often relies on epigenetic information, which affects gene function and is transmitted through cell divisions. one of the most important epigenetic marks, dna methylation, has been lost in seve ...201223278917
repellent, antifeedant, and toxic activities of lantana camara leaf extract against reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).this study investigated biological activity of chloroform extract of dry lantana camara 'mozelle' leaves against the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), an important structural pest. repellent activity was assessed using a paper-disc choice test and a sand arena choice test. antifeedant and toxic properties were assessed using a no-choice paper test and a topical application method. in the choice tests, significantly fewer termites made contact with treated paper-disc ...201223356077
identification of mycosis-related genes in the eastern subterranean termite by suppression subtractive hybridization.the eastern subterranean termite reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera, rhinotermitidae) is a cosmopolitan, structural pest that is the target of research into termite innate immunity. in this study, we use suppression subtractive hybridization to construct a normalized cdna library of genes excessively expressed upon fungal infection. at 24 h postinfection with metarhizium anisopliae, the library revealed 182 expressed sequence tag (est) clones that potentially represent immune responsive genes. th ...201222549993
soldier caste influences on candidate primer pheromone levels and juvenile hormone-dependent caste differentiation in workers of the termite reticulitermes flavipes.caste systems and the division of labor they make possible are common underlying features of all social insects. multiple extrinsic factors have been shown to impact caste composition in social insect colonies. primer pheromones are one type of extrinsic caste-regulatory factor; they are chemical signaling molecules produced by certain colony members to impact developmental physiology of recipient nestmates. however, only limited evidence exists regarding primer pheromones and their actions in e ...201121356212
ontogenic potentialities of the worker caste in two sympatric subterranean termites in france.in termites, the capacity of workers to differentiate into neotenic reproductives is an important characteristic that deserves particular attention. to gain insight into the differentiation pathway, the potentialities of workers and the endocrinal changes during the formation of neotenics were compared in two sympatric termites, reticulitermes flavipes and reticulitermes grassei. after 1 year of development, 100% of r. flavipes worker groups produced neotenics against only 63% of r. grassei grou ...201121410870
simulation study of territory size distributions in subterranean termites.in this study, on the basis of empirical data, we have simulated the foraging tunnel patterns of two subterranean termites, coptotermes formosanus shiraki and reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), using a two-dimensional model. we have defined a territory as a convex polygon containing a tunnel pattern and explored the effects of competition among termite territory colonies on the territory size distribution in the steady state that was attained after a sufficient simulation time. in the model, terr ...201121426908
effects of soil cations on the foraging behavior of reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).this study examined soil cation concentration gradients around decomposing logs and determined whether reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) builds galleries in soil substrates containing those cations versus soils without, presumably in an effort to forage efficiently. soil samples were collected at different depths and lateral distances from decomposing logs containing termites, freshly fallen logs without termites, and bare soil locations at 10 sites to determine whethe ...201121510189
disruption of termite gut-microbiota and its prolonged fitness consequences.the disruption of host-symbiont interactions through the use of antibiotics can help elucidate microbial functions that go beyond short-term nutritional value. termite gut symbionts have been studied extensively, but little is known about their impact on the termite's reproductive output. here we describe the effect that the antibiotic rifampin has not only on the gut microbial diversity, but also on the longevity, fecundity, and weight of two termite species - zootermopsis angusticollis and ret ...201121571887
multiple levels of synergistic collaboration in termite lignocellulose digestion.in addition to evolving eusocial lifestyles, two equally fascinating aspects of termite biology are their mutualistic relationships with gut symbionts and their use of lignocellulose as a primary nutrition source. termites are also considered excellent model systems for studying the production of bioethanol and renewable bioenergy from 2nd generation (non-food) feedstocks. while the idea that gut symbionts are the sole contributors to termite lignocellulose digestion has remained popular and com ...201121747950
areawide field study on effect of three chitin synthesis inhibitor baits on populations of coptotermes formosanus and reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).periodic sampling of 43 independent monitors, initially active with formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus shiraki, or the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae), was conducted to evaluate the effects of cellulose baits containing one of three chitin synthesis inhibitors (csis)-diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, or chlorfluazuron-on termite populations. diflubenzuron at 0.1% active ingredient (ai, wt:wt) had no noticeable effect on ter ...201121735923
temporal changes in chlorantraniliprole and indoxacarb in four midwestern soils and bioefficacy against the eastern subterranean termite (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).temporal changes in indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole were determined in four midwestern soils by simulating commercial field applications of termiticides. indoxacarb (0.0625 and 0.125%) and chlorantraniliprole (0.05 and 0.10%) were applied to each soil type in a rotating cement mixer to ensure uniform distribution of active ingredient (ai). temporal and spatial changes in termiticide concentrations were determined by sampling soil cores subdivided at different depths (0-20, 20-40, and 40-61 cm ...201121735921
subterranean termite prophylactic secretions and external antifungal defenses.termites exploit environments that make them susceptible to infection and rapid disease transmission. gram-negative bacteria binding proteins (gnbps) signal the presence of microbes and in some insects directly damage fungal pathogens with +¦-1,3-glucanase activity. the subterranean termites reticulitermes flavipes and reticulitermes virginicus encounter soil entomopathogenic fungi such as metarhizium anisopliae, which can evade host immune responses after penetrating the cuticle. an external de ...201121708164
toxicity of seven termiticides on the formosan and eastern subterranean termites.using both topical application and substrate (sand) treatments the toxicities of seven new generation soil termiticides were evaluated to determine the ld50 and lc50 against two economically important subterranean termite species, eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), and formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus shiraki. the lethal dose toxicity (ld50) rankings for r. flavipes from highest to lowest were: fipronil > bifenthrin > chlorantraniliprole > cyantr ...201121735922
the role of particle size of particulate nano-zinc oxide wood preservatives on termite mortality and leach resistance.historically most residential wood preservatives were aqueous soluble metal formulations, but recently metals ground to submicron size and dispersed in water to give particulate formulations have gained importance. in this study, the specific role nano-zinc oxide (zno) particle size and leach resistance plays in termite mortality resulting from exposure to particulate zno-treated wood was investigated. southern yellow pine (syp) sapwood impregnated with three concentrations of two particle sizes ...201121711491
Genomic and Physiological Characterization of the Verrucomicrobia Isolate Diplosphaera colotermitum gen. nov., sp. nov. Reveals Microaerophily and Nitrogen Fixation Genes.Previously we reported the cultivation of novel verrucomicrobia, including strain TAV2 (93% 16S rRNA gene identity to its nearest cultivated representative, Opitutus terreae PB90-1) from the gut of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes. To gain better insight into the Verrucomicrobia as a whole and understand the role of verrucomicrobia within the termite gut ecosystem, we analyzed a draft genome and undertook a physiological characterization of TAV2. Strain TAV2 is an autochthonous member of the ...201122194293
defining host-symbiont collaboration in termite lignocellulose digestion: "the view from the tip of the iceberg".termites have the unique ability to exploit lignocellulose as a primary nutrition source. traditionally, termite lignocellulose digestion has been considered as a gut-symbiont-mediated process; however, in recent years the importance of host digestive capabilities have become apparent. despite this growing understanding, how digestive enzymes from different origins specifically collaborate (i.e., additively or synergistically) has remained largely unknown. in a recent study, we undertook transla ...201122446549
fine structure of corpora allata of castes with different rates of juvenile hormone production in the termite reticulitermes flavipes.the aim of this work is to describe corpora allata (ca) of several castes of the termite reticulitermes flavipes that have different rates of juvenile hormone (jh) synthesis, with respect to differences in fine structure, volume, and intensity of allatostatin immunoreactivity in their innervation. the castes chosen are workers and their potential derivatives, apterous secondary reproductives and pre-soldiers (the precursors of soldiers). these castes, at the stages chosen, produce jh at low, hig ...201120849977
comparative analysis of expressed sequence tags from three castes and two life stages of the termite reticulitermes flavipes.termites (isoptera) are eusocial insects whose colonies consist of morphologically and behaviorally specialized castes of sterile workers and soldiers, and reproductive alates. previous studies on eusocial insects have indicated that caste differentiation and behavior are underlain by differential gene expression. although much is known about gene expression in the honey bee, apis mellifera, termites remain relatively understudied in this regard. therefore, our objective was to assemble an expre ...201020691076
characterization of a new endogenous endo-β-1,4-glucanase of formosan subterranean termite (coptotermes formosanus).the present work characterized a new endogenous cellulase (endo-β-1,4-glucanase) gene, cfeg5, uncovered in the transcriptome of formosan subterranean termite (coptotermes formosanus). the full-length gene was cloned and sequenced. it is similar to the cfeg3a described earlier (zhang et al., 2009) but not likely an allelic variant. genomewalker™ dna walking analysis indicated that there may be one copy of cfeg5 and two copies of cfeg3a in the termite genome. as with cfeg3a, the transcript of cfeg ...201021195179
a constraint condition for foraging strategy in subterranean termites.previous studies have explored the relationship between termite branch tunnel geometry and foraging efficiency in a model simulation in which foraging efficiency, γ, for two termite species, coptotermes formosanus shiraki and reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae), was investigated in response to two variables, the probability of tunnel branching (p(branch)) and the probability of tunnel branch termination (pterm). it was found that simulated tunnel patterns based on empiri ...201021070178
molecular characterization of neuropeptide f from the eastern subterranean termite reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).neuropeptide f (npf)-like immunoreactivity was previously found to be abundant in the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes. purification of the npf from a whole body extract of worker termites was accomplished in the current study by hplc and heterologous radioimmunoassay for an npf-related peptide, helicoverpa zea midgut peptide-i. a partial amino acid sequence allowed determination of the corresponding cdna that encoded an open reading frame deduced for authentic r. flavipes n ...201019747517
socio-environmental and endocrine influences on developmental and caste-regulatory gene expression in the eusocial termite reticulitermes flavipes.strict regulation of caste differentiation, at the molecular level, is thought to be important to maintain social structure in insect societies. previously, a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors have been shown to influence caste composition in termite colonies. one important factor is the influence of nestmates; in particular, soldier termites are known to inhibit hormone-dependent worker-to-soldier differentiation. however, soldier influences on nestmates at the molecular level are virtu ...201020416061
effects of indoxacarb concentration and exposure time on onset of abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death in eastern subterranean termite (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).onset of abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death was evaluated in eastern subterranean termites, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae), exposed to several concentrations (45, 90, 135, and 180 ppm) of indoxacarb and to several (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 min) exposure periods. abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death occurred in a predictable sequence: disorientation, ataxia, and morbundity followed by death. in general, higher concentrations and longer exposure periods ...201020568622
impact of five commercial baits containing chitin synthesis inhibitors on the protist community in reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), workers were continuously exposed to one of five chitin synthesis inhibiting (csi) active ingredients and the protist community from the hindgut quantified biweekly for 21 d. the csis tested included commercially available formulations of diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, noviflumuron, and novaluron. results showed termites exposed to csis had a significant decrease (>or=30%) in the estimated total protist population after 3 d ...201020146844
functional and translational analyses of a beta-glucosidase gene (glycosyl hydrolase family 1) isolated from the gut of the lower termite reticulitermes flavipes.this research focused on digestive beta-glucosidases from glycosyl hydrolase family (ghf) 1 from the gut of the lower termite reticulitermes flavipes. in preceding studies on r. flavipes, we characterized beta-glucosidase activity across the gut and its inhibition by carbohydrate-based inhibitors, and subsequently we identified two partial beta-glucosidase cdna sequences from a host gut cdna library. here, we report on the full-length cdna sequence for one of the r. flavipes beta-glucosidases (r ...201020558291
adaptive evolution in subterranean termite antifungal peptides.we identified and analysed mrna sequences of two immune proteins from the subterranean termites reticulitermes flavipes and reticulitermes virginicus. these proteins correspond to two immune proteins described in the distantly related termite genus nasutitermes; termicin, which is a small antifungal peptide, and gnbp2, which functions both as a broad pattern recognition receptor and a direct antifungal effector. a population genetic analysis of nucleotide intraspecific polymorphism and interspec ...201020561089
production and characterization of a recombinant beta-1,4-endoglucanase (glycohydrolase family 9) from the termite reticulitermes flavipes.cell-1 is a host-derived beta-1,4-endoglucanase (glycohydrolase family 9 [ghf9]) from the lower termite reticulitermes flavipes. here, we report on the heterologous production of cell-1 using eukaryotic (baculovirus expression vector system; bevs) and prokaryotic (e. coli) expression systems. the bevs-expressed enzyme was more readily obtained in solubilized form and more active than the e. coli-expressed enzyme. k(m) and v(max) values for bevs-expressed cell-1 against the model substrate cmc we ...201020572126
phenol-oxidizing laccases from the termite gut.cdnas encoding two gut laccase isoforms (rflaca and rflacb) were sequenced from the termite reticulitermes flavipes. phylogenetic analyses comparing translated r. flavipes laccases to 67 others from prokaryotes and eukaryotes indicate that the r. flavipes laccases are evolutionarily unique. alignments with crystallography-verified laccases confirmed that peptide motifs involved in metal binding are 100% conserved in both isoforms. laccase transcripts and phenoloxidase activity were most abundant ...201020691784
variations in worker cuticular hydrocarbons and soldier isoprenoid defensive secretions within and among introduced and native populations of the subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes.in social insects, cuticular hydrocarbons (chcs) play a central role in nestmate recognition. chcs have proved to be useful for identifying species and differentiating populations. in combination with chcs, isoprenoid soldier defensive secretions (sdss) have been previously used in some termite species for chemotaxonomic analyses. this study compared the levels of chemical variation within and among introduced (french) and native (u.s.) populations of the subterranean termite, reticulitermes fla ...201020859758
a novel gene from the takeout family involved in termite trail-following behavior.this study investigated physiological and behavioral functions of a novel gene identified from the termite reticulitermes flavipes. the gene, named deviate, encodes an apparent ligand binding protein from the takeout-homologous family. initial studies were conducted to investigate deviate mrna expression among termite castes and body regions, and changes in response to light-dark conditions, starvation, temperature, and juvenile hormone (jh). deviate has ubiquitous caste and tissue expression, i ...201021134424
a test of seasonal responses to sugars in four populations of the termite reticulitermes flavipes.several studies have shown that reticulitermes termites prefer food with certain types of sugars. however, the specific sugars that were preferred by the termites in each study differed. the difference between the results of these studies might be explained by differences between populations or changes in feeding responses during the active season. to address these variables, we examined the feeding response to a food source food containing glucose, sucrose, or xylose versus a food source withou ...201021309235
(15)n discrimination and the sensitivity of nitrogen fixation to changes in dietary nitrogen in reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).xylophagous termites possess symbiotic bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen (n(2)). although symbiotic n(2) fixation is central to termite nutrition and ecologically important, it is energetically costly. using stable isotopes, we tested the hypothesis that symbiotic n(2) fixation would decrease in workers of the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes kollar, which were exposed to high nitrogen diets. to calculate the isotope discrimination factor occurring as a result of diges ...201022182546
characterization of four esterase genes and esterase activity from the gut of the termite reticulitermes flavipes.four esterase genes and general esterase activity were investigated in the gut of the termite reticulitermes flavipes. two genes (rfest1 and rfest2) share significant translated identity with a number of insect jh esterases. the two remaining genes (rfest3 and rfest4) apparently code for much shorter proteins with similarity to fungal phenolic acid esterases involved in hemicellulose solubilization. all four genes showed consistently high midgut expression. this result was further supported by c ...201019802899
a novel strain of steinernema riobrave (rhabditida: steinernematidae) possesses superior virulence to subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).subterranean termites are major global pests of wood structures and wood products. among the most economically important subterranean termite species in the us are heterotermes aureus, reticulitermes flavipes, and coptotermes formosanus. in prior studies, the entomopathogenic nematode, steinernema riobrave strain 355, exhibited a high level of virulence to h. aureus compared with other nematode species. however, s. riobrave 355 was reported to be poorly or only moderately virulent to r. flavipes ...201022736844
inhibition of metarhizium anisopliae in the alimentary tract of the eastern subterranean termite reticulitermes flavipes.reticulitermes flavipes workers were individually inoculated with 10,000conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus metarhizium anisopliae. after being kept in groups of 20 individuals for 1-6d, histopathological approach showed that most of the inoculated conidia were groomed from the surface of the cuticle by nestmates within 24h, and that a large number of conidia was subsequently found in different parts of the gut of the groomers. our observations showed that, among thousands of conidia found in ...200919426734
bioavailability of chlorantraniliprole and indoxacarb to eastern subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) in various soils.a laboratory study was conducted to determine the toxicity of indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole to eastern subterranean termites, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) resulting from topical applications and exposure to treated soil. soils with varying organic matter (0.57-3.64%) and chemical characteristics were used in termiticide bioassays. lethal dose resulting from topical application indicated that chlorantraniliprole was two- to 11-fold more toxic than indoxacarb. ...200919886458
parallel metatranscriptome analyses of host and symbiont gene expression in the gut of the termite reticulitermes flavipes.termite lignocellulose digestion is achieved through a collaboration of host plus prokaryotic and eukaryotic symbionts. in the present work, we took a combined host and symbiont metatranscriptomic approach for investigating the digestive contributions of host and symbiont in the lower termite reticulitermes flavipes. our approach consisted of parallel high-throughput sequencing from (i) a host gut cdna library and (ii) a hindgut symbiont cdna library. subsequently, we undertook functional analys ...200919832970
[phylogenetic analysis of symbiotic archaea in the gut of reticulitermes chinensis snyder].to analyze the phylotypes of symbiotic archaea in the gut of reticulitermes chinensis snyder by using non-cultivating method.200920222453
differential use of identical food resources by reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) in two types of habitats.a year-long field experiment showed that reticulitermes flavipes attacked and used single stakes and wooden stake bundles differently in two habitats that varied in alternative forage. in both habitats, the number of termites present in single stakes and stake-bundles increased with stake resource size, and the number of larvae recorded from feeding sites was a close reflection of the number of workers attracted to a given food source. over 12 mo, more single stakes and stake bundles were heavil ...200919791596
effects of soldier-derived terpenes on soldier caste differentiation in the termite reticulitermes flavipes.primer pheromones play key roles in regulating division of labor, which is a fundamental and defining aspect of insect sociality. primer pheromones are chemical messengers that transmit hormone-like messages among colony members; in recipients, these messages can either induce or suppress phenotypic caste differentiation. here, we investigated soldier caste-derived chemicals as possible primer pheromones in the lower termite reticulitermes flavipes, a species for which no primer pheromones have ...200919198947
contact versus feeding intoxication by fipronil in reticulitermes termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae): laboratory evaluation of toxicity, uptake, clearance, and transfer among individuals.the susceptibility to fipronil of u.s. and french populations of reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) was evaluated in two types of laboratory bioassays: contact intoxication with 0.01-1 ppm treated sand and feeding intoxication with 0.1-10 ppm treated filter paper. contact intoxication with 0.01 ppm fipronil caused 60% mortality after 55 and 64 h in the french and u.s. populations, respectively, whereas in the 5 ppm feeding assay 70 and 60% mortality was observed after 7 ...200919253654
isolation of the gene for the precursor of phe-gly-leu-amide allatostatins in the termite reticulitermes flavipes.allatostatins (asts), with a c-terminal sequence tyr/phe-xaa-phe-gly-leu/ile-amide, are multifunctional neuropeptides that were first discovered by their ability to inhibit juvenile hormone (jh) synthesis by the corpora allata (ca) in cockroaches. these a-type asts have since been demonstrated to inhibit jh synthesis in crickets, termites and more recently locusts. the gene for the precursor of a-type asts has been identified in several species of cockroaches, in crickets and in locusts, but not ...200919428761
cellular encapsulation in the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera), against infection by the entomopathogenic fungus metarhizium anisopliae.reticulitermes flavipes workers were topically inoculated with approximately 10,000 conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus metarhizium anisopliae. after being kept in groups of 20 individuals for 1-9 d, histopathological examination showed that termites had an individual immune reaction. the nodule formation at the point of entrance of the fungal hyphae was identified as a cellular encapsulation and the different steps in the nodule formation are described. the relative number of hemocytes per t ...200919463828
identification of phe-gly-leu-amide type allatostatin-7 in reticulitermes flavipes: its localization in tissues and relation to juvenile hormone synthesis.the allatostatins (asts), with a tyr/phe-xaa-phe-gly-leu/ile-amide c-terminus, are neuropeptides that occur in many orders of insects, but are known to inhibit juvenile hormone (jh) synthesis by corpora allata (ca) only in cockroaches, crickets, and termites. 5 ast peptides with similar sequences to those of 6 species of cockroaches have been isolated and sequenced from extract of brain tissue of the termite reticulitermes flavipes. the amino acid sequence of a 6th peptide, r. flavipes ast-7, de ...200918652864
influence of temperature on rate of uptake and subsequent horizontal transfer of [14c]fipronil by eastern subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).the effect of temperature on [14c]fipronil uptake and transfer from donor (d) to recipient (r) reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) workers was evaluated. test chambers used in the fipronil uptake study were constructed from petri dishes containing autoclaved soil treated with 1 ppm [14c]fipronil (1.14 microci of total radioactivity per petri dish), distilled water, and r. flavipes workers. test chambers were held in environmental growth chambers preset at 12, 17, 22, 27, ...200818613593
concentration-dependent degradation of three termiticides in soil under laboratory conditions and their bioavailability to eastern subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).degradation and bioavailability of imidacloprid, fipronil, and bifenthrin applied at label rates ([ai], wt:wt in soil) in the loamy soil of nebraska were determined over a 6-mo duration. based on the calculated half-lives of the three termiticides, it was concluded that the degradation rate was lowest when a termiticide was applied at the highest label rate. bioassays of reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) conducted at 8, 31, 65, 90, 135, 160, and 180 d posttreatment sho ...200818767750
ability of bed bug-detecting canines to locate live bed bugs and viable bed bug eggs.the bed bug, cimex lectularius l., like other bed bug species, is difficult to visually locate because it is cryptic. detector dogs are useful for locating bed bugs because they use olfaction rather than vision. dogs were trained to detect the bed bug (as few as one adult male or female) and viable bed bug eggs (five, collected 5-6 d after feeding) by using a modified food and verbal reward system. their efficacy was tested with bed bugs and viable bed bug eggs placed in vented polyvinyl chlorid ...200818767752
relative repellency and lethality of the neonicotinoids thiamethoxam and acetamiprid and an acetamiprid/bifenthrin combination to reticulitermes flavipes termites.field-collected reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) termites were placed in bioassay tubes containing soil treated with one of three termiticides: thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, or a combination of acetamiprid + bifenthrin. in the bioassay tubes, treated soil was placed in a layer centered within untreated sand between two 1.5-cm agar plugs. all termiticides were tested at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ppm with narrow (1 mm), medium (5 mm), and broad (50 mm) thicknesses of treated soil. soil pe ...200819133470
population density, species abundance, and breeding structure of subterranean termite colonies in and around infested houses in central north carolina.pressure from subterranean termites is known to vary geographically across the united states, but there are few quantitative studies concerning the threat of structural infestation for any geographic region. we assessed the number and locations of termite colonies present on 20 infested residential properties in central north carolina, where subterranean termite pressure is considered to be heavy. this was achieved by using microsatellite markers to determine colony identity of termites collecte ...200818767747
distribution of neuropeptide f-like immunoreactivity in the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes.the nervous system and gut of worker, soldier and alate castes of the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes kollar (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) were examined for immunoreactivity to an antiserum to helicoverpa zea (boddie) (leipidoptera: noctuidae) mp-i (qaarprf-nh(2)), a truncated form of neuropeptide f. more than 145 immunostained axons and cell bodies were seen in the brain and all ganglia of the ventral nerve cord. immunoreactive axons exiting the brain projected anteriorly to ...200820302462
interaction between the subterranean termite reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) and the entomopathogenic fungus metarhizium anisopliae in foraging arenas.the entomopathogenic fungus metarhizium anisopliae (metsch.) sorokin was tested in the laboratory against field-collected groups of eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae), in foraging arenas to determine the potential effect of a "trap and treat" protocol (trapping a part of the population, treating it with a biological control agent and releasing it back into the original population). individual termites were treated with a suspension of m. an ...200818613591
isolation of cockroach phe-gly-leu-amide allatostatins from the termite reticulitermes flavipes and their effect on juvenile hormone synthesis.immunoreactivity to cockroach diploptera punctata allatostatin-7 (dippu ast-7) has been demonstrated previously in axons innervating the corpora allata of the termite reticulitermes flavipes. this peptide and dippu ast-11 inhibited juvenile hormone (jh) synthesis by corpora allata (ca) of brachypterous neotenic reproductives (secondary reproductives) of termites. the present study shows that r. flavipes ca are also inhibited by dippu ast-2, ast-5, ast-8, and ast-9 at approximately the same rank ...200818387628
changes in juvenile hormone synthesis in the termite reticulitermes flavipes during development of soldiers and neotenic reproductives from groups of isolated workers.workers of reticulitermes flavipes were isolated in groups of increasing numbers to determine the in vitro rates of juvenile hormone (jh) synthesis by individual pairs of corpora allata (ca) as other castes differentiated. only neotenic reproductives developed in groups of 12. mean jh synthesis rates increased after 5 weeks but only a few individuals had significantly higher rates, about 0.4 pmol/pair/h, which occurred at about 3 weeks before neotenics developed. soldiers and neotenics developed ...200818187146
rna interference in the termite reticulitermes flavipes through ingestion of double-stranded rna.rna interference (rnai) represents a breakthrough technology for conducting functional genomics research in non-model organisms and for the highly targeted control of insect pests. this study investigated rnai via voluntary feeding in the economically important pest termite, reticulitermes flavipes. we used a high-dose double-stranded (ds) rna feeding approach to silence two termite genes: one encoding an endogenous digestive cellulase enzyme and the other a caste-regulatory hexamerin storage pr ...200818625404
regulation of polyphenic caste differentiation in the termite reticulitermes flavipes by interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.polyphenism is a key strategy used by solitary insects to adapt to changing environmental conditions and by eusocial insects for existing collaboratively in a social environment. in social insects, the morphogenetic juvenile hormone (jh) is often involved in directing the differentiation of polyphenic behavioral castes. the present study examines the effects of jh, environment and feeding on caste polyphenism in a eusocial insect, the termite reticulitermes flavipes (kollar). our approach includ ...200718232118
behavioral responses of two subterranean termite species (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) to instant freezing or chilling temperatures.the behavioral responses to instant freezing or chilling temperatures and survivorship of the formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus shiraki, and the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), were studied using a novel experimental design that closely simulated subterranean termites' natural in-ground environment. both termite species responded to changes in temperature by exhibiting a downward mass movement from the cold to warmer area of constant temperatur ...200718284773
diversity of gut bacteria of reticulitermes flavipes as examined by 16s rrna gene sequencing and amplified rdna restriction analysis.the phylogenetic species richness of the bacteria in the gut of the termite reticulitermes flavipes was examined using near full-length 16s rrna gene sequencing and amplified rdna restriction analysis (ardra). we amplified the genes by polymerase chain reaction (pcr) directly from a mixed population of termite gut bacteria and isolated them using cloning techniques. sequence analysis of 42 clones identified a broad taxonomic range of ribotypes from six phyla within the domain bacteria: proteobac ...200717657534
stenoxybacter acetivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., an acetate-oxidizing obligate microaerophile among diverse o2-consuming bacteria from termite guts.in termite hindguts, fermentative production of acetate--a major carbon and energy source for the insect--depends on efficient removal of inwardly diffusing oxygen by microbes residing on and near the hindgut wall. however, little is known about the identity of these organisms or about the substrate(s) used to support their respiratory activity. a cultivation-based approach was used to isolate o(2)-consuming organisms from hindguts of reticulitermes flavipes. a consistently greater (albeit not s ...200717827334
physiological ecology of stenoxybacter acetivorans, an obligate microaerophile in termite guts.stenoxybacter acetivorans is a newly described, obligately microaerophilic beta-proteobacterium that is abundant in the acetate-rich hindgut of reticulitermes. here we tested the hypotheses that cells are located in the hypoxic, peripheral region of reticulitermes flavipes hindguts and use acetate to fuel their o(2)-consuming respiratory activity in situ. physical fractionation of r. flavipes guts, followed by limited-cycle pcr with s. acetivorans-specific 16s rrna gene primers, indicated that c ...200717827335
hermetically sealed baits for subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).cellulose baits containing 0.5% hexaflumuron were hermetically sealed in a closed cell polyethylene sheet envelope and placed in soil to test their durability and efficacy against field colonies of the formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus shiraki, or the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar). the closed cell polyethylene sheet was readily tunneled through by termites, yet it was impervious to water and protected the cellulose baits and hexaflumuron from ...200717461073
correlation of cellulase gene expression and cellulolytic activity throughout the gut of the termite reticulitermes flavipes.termites have developed cellulose digestion capabilities that allow them to obtain energy and nutrition from nutritionally poor food sources, such as lignocellulosic plant material and residues derived from it (e.g., wood and humus). lower termites, which are equipped with both endogenous (i.e., of termite origin) and symbiotic cellulases, feed primarily on wood and wood-related materials. this study investigated cellulase gene diversity, structure, and activity in the lower termite, reticuliter ...200717408885
does correlation of cellulase gene expression and cellulolytic activity in the gut of termite suggest synergistic collaboration of cellulases?termites play an important role in degradation of dead plant materials in nature. over the last century, many researchers have investigated the mechanisms of their lignocellulose digesting system. a recent publication by zhou et al. (zhou, x., smith, j.a., oi, f.m., koehler, p.g., bennett, g.w., scharf, m.e., 2007. correlation of cellulase gene expression and cellulolytic activity throughout the gut of the termite reticulitermes flavipes. gene 395, 29-39) dealt with the cellulolytic system of th ...200717720335
immunomarking reveals food flow and feeding relationships in the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar).trophallaxis and feeding relationships in the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), were examined using a novel marking technique, rabbit igg protein coupled with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (elisa) to detect the marker. transfer experiments in small dishes evaluated the trophallactic transfer of the marker from donor workers fed igg-treated paper to recipient workers or larvae. worker donors rapidly acquired the marker, and 100% of donors tested positive withi ...200717349131
juvenile hormone synthesis as related to egg development in neotenic reproductives of the termite reticulitermes flavipes, with observations on urates in the fat body.the relationship between juvenile hormone (jh) synthesis and egg development, which is well documented in cockroaches, is much less studied in their close relatives, the termites. in this study of neotenic reproductives of the subterranean termite reticulitermes flavipes, in vitro rates of juvenile hormone (jh) synthesis by corpora allata (ca) are related to vitellogenic egg development and the size of ca. the first study compared brachypterous and apterous neotenics in their first cycle of egg ...200717434168
termite colony ontogeny: supplemental data in the long-term assessment of reproductive lifespan, female neotenic production and colony size in reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) colonies established by field-collected alates were reared in the laboratory for 11 years. weights of members of each caste and full-colony censuses were performed regularly; the most recent 2003-2004 data are reported. colonies averaged 11623.5 +/- 910 individuals, and with the exception of primary queens from one genetic lineage, mean weights for all castes had increased since 2001. female replacement reproductives, or neotenics, developed to replace dead queen ...200717524164
field evaluation of potential control strategies against the invasive eastern subterranean termite (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) in chile.four different termite control strategies consisting of two soil treatments with cypermethrin and fipronil and two bait treatments with hexaflumuron and sulfluramid were evaluated for their efficacy and potential for controlling the invasive eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae), in quillota and valparaiso, chile. monitoring stations were installed at all sites to measure the overall termite activity next to and at distances up to 30 m away fr ...200717849893
molecular and biochemical markers for monitoring dynamic shifts of cellulolytic protozoa in reticulitermes flavipes.lower termites rely on cellulolytic protozoa to aid in the digestion of their wood-based diet. however, despite the major contribution of protozoa to the lower termite digestive system, few techniques have been developed to monitor shifts in protozoan populations. this study investigated whether quantitative real-time pcr (qrt-pcr) and/or cellulase enzyme assays can be used to monitor changes of cellulolytic protozoan populations in the lower termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar). previously ...200717967355
temperature effect on kinetics of uptake, transfer, and clearance of [14c]noviflumuron in eastern subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).[14c]noviflumuron uptake, clearance, rate of excretion, and transfer from treated to untreated termite workers were evaluated at 15,19, 23, and 27 degrees c. feeding units were constructed from plastic containers provisioned with washed sand, distilled water, [14c]noviflumuron-treated feeding discs (0.05 or 0.5% [ai]), and reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) workers. feeding units were held in environmental growth chambers preset at 15, 19, 23, and 27 degrees c. the amount of [14c]noviflumuron pres ...200616573334
two hexamerin genes from the termite reticulitermes flavipes: sequence, expression, and proposed functions in caste regulation.previous molecular studies on the termite reticulitermes flavipes have revealed that two hexamerin proteins serve an important status quo role in the regulation of juvenile hormone (jh)-dependent caste differentiation. here, we report sequence data and other experimental evidence suggesting how these two hexamerins function in achieving caste regulation. the two hexamerin genes, named hex-1 and hex-2, encode highly unique sequence features relative to the 100+ other known insect hexamerins. thes ...200616580793
termite-egg mimicry by a sclerotium-forming fungus.mimicry has evolved in a wide range of organisms and encompasses diverse tactics for defence, foraging, pollination and social parasitism. here, i report an extraordinary case of egg mimicry by a fungus, whereby the fungus gains competitor-free habitat in termite nests. brown fungal balls, called 'termite balls', are frequently found in egg piles of reticulitermes termites. phylogenetic analysis illustrated that termite-ball fungi isolated from different hosts (reticulitermes speratus, reticulit ...200616720392
influence of portland cement amendment on soil ph and residual soil termiticide performance.soil adjacent to new brick veneer work is likely to have a higher ph owing to the mixture of cement with the soil. in the gainesville, fl, area, soil samples taken from such locations had a range of ph values from 9.0 to 10.1; similar soils used in bioassays had a ph of 5.6 before the addition of cement. addition of 15 mg of portland cement to 33 g of soil increased the ph to 6, and addition of 291 mg of portland cement increased the ph to 9. the ph of soil amended with cement was stable for the ...200616981250
parasitism of subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae: termitidae) by entomopathogenic nematodes (rhabditida: steinernematidae; heterorhabditidae).in laboratory bioassays, steinernema riobrave cabanillas, poinar and raulston (355 strain), steinernema carpocapsae (weiser) (mexican 33 strain), steinernemafeltiae (filipjev) (uk76 strain), and heterorhabditis bacteriophora poinar (hp88 strain) were all capable of infecting and killing three termite species, heterotermes aureus (snyder), gnathamitermes perplexus (banks), and reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) in laboratory sand assays. s. riobrave and s. feltiae caused low levels of reticuliterme ...200616937662
juvenile hormone and colony conditions differentially influence cytochrome p450 gene expression in the termite reticulitermes flavipes.in lower termites, the worker caste is a totipotent immature stage that is capable of differentiating into other adult caste phenotypes. we investigated the diversity of family 4 cytochrome p450 (cyp4) genes in reticulitermes flavipes workers, with the specific goal of identifying p450s potentially involved in regulating caste differentiation. seven novel cyp4 genes were identified. quantitative real-time pcr revealed the tissue distribution of expression for the seven cyp4s, as well as temporal ...200617201768
response of reticulitermes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) to disturbance in laboratory arenas at different temperatures and soldier proportions.this study examined the evacuation response of groups of reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) workers after disturbance in laboratory arenas across a range of temperatures (16, 21, and 27 degrees c) and soldier proportions (1, 3, and 5%). groups of workers and soldiers were disturbed in a central chamber and then monitored during a 5-d period to examine the percentage that initially evacuated, percentage of evacuees that returned, time to evacuate, time to return, and rates (percentage per hour) of ...200616686148
survey of metabolic reserves, stored uric acid, and water content from field populations of subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) from georgia.total levels of uric acid, soluble proteins, lipid, glycogen, and body water were determined for reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) workers 24-72 h after field collection. in addition, levels of biological molecules were compared for termites collected from the same inspection ports within 24 h after field collection, and after laboratory captivity of 6 or 9 mo. uric acid content, described in a previous study as steadily accumulating in r. flavipes termites in captivity, was found to be low or un ...200616813324
transferof chlorfenapyr among workers of reticulitermnes flavipes (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) in the laboratory.the potential for transfer of chlorfenapyr among subterranean termites was investigated using a donor-recipient (5:95 ratio) experiment. in one experiment, workers of reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) were exposed to treated sand at 0, 50, 100, 250, and 500 ppm chlorfenapyr (wt [ai]/wt sand). exposed workers were allowed to interact with untreated nestmates for 14 d, after which mortality was assessed. the three colonies responded differently to the treatments in this ...200616813326
evaluation of novel and traditional measures for vigor of laboratory-cultured termites, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar).the current study was undertaken to consider predictive methods for describing the vigor of reticulitermes flavipes (kollar) termites stored in a laboratory under conditions similar to control groups in bioassay. these novel methods were based on measurements for levels of biological molecules (uric acid, soluble proteins, lipid, and glycogen), percent water content, live weight, and running speed. also considered were two established, non-predictive methods for determining vigor, survivorship a ...200616307753
effects of juvenile hormone iii on reticulitermes flavipes: changes in hemolymph protein composition and gene expression.termites express polyphenism during caste differentiation that is mostly undefined at the molecular level. using the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes kollar, we wanted (1) to test juvenile hormone (jh) model assays for their ability to induce detectable molecular changes in worker termites and (2) to investigate hemolymph proteins and their corresponding genes during jh-induced soldier caste differentiation. our results illustrate pronounced changes in two hemolymph proteins ...200515705500
time trends in mortality for thiamethoxam and fipronil against formosan subterranean termites and eastern subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).time trends in mortality for the formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus shiraki, and eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), were determined for thiamethoxam and fipronil. filter paper treated with 50 ppm thiamethoxam led to >80% mortality in 2-4 d for r. flavipes, whereas 5 ppm thiamethoxam resulted in >80% mortality in 2-3 d for c. formosanus. filter paper treated with 1 ppm fipronil resulted in >80% mortality in 5 d for r. flavipes and 9 d for c. formosa ...200516022321
valuation of efficacy and nonrepellency of indoxacarb and fipronil-treated soil at various concentrations and thicknesses against two subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).the efficacy and nonrepellency of indoxacarb (150 sc, 150 g [ai]/liter) and fipronil (termidor sc, 9.1% [al]) against field-collected eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), and the formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus shiraki, were evaluated for mortality and penetration into treated soil in laboratory glass tube bioassays. both insecticides were tested at five concentrations (0, 1, 10, 50, and 100 ppm) and two thicknesses (20 and 50 mm) of treated soil. ...200515889745
phe-gly-leu-amide allatostatin in the termite reticulitermes flavipes: content in brain and corpus allatum and effect on juvenile hormone synthesis.in the subterranean termite reticulitermes flavipes, allatostatins (asts) with the c-terminus phe-gly leu-amide were localized by immunocytochemistry with antibody against a cockroach ast, dippu ast-7. ast-immunoreactivity occurred in the corpus cardiacum and corpus allatum and in the lateral and medial neurosecretory cells of the brain that innervate these organs as well as in many other nerve cells of the brain. this was observed in workers, nymphs, soldiers and secondary reproductives. a radi ...200515890178
tunneling and mortality of eastern and formosan subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) in sand treated with thiamethoxam or fipronil.thiamethoxam and fipronil were examined for their termiticidal properties against the formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus shiraki, and the eastern subterranean termite, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar). concentrations > or =8 ppm thiamethoxam and > or =1 ppm fipronil provided an effective barrier against c. formosanus and r. flavipes. sand was penetrated to some degree at all concentrations of thiamethoxam (0-800 ppm for c. formosanus and 0-1000 ppm for r. flavipes) and fiproni ...200516022320
attraction of subterranean termites (isoptera) to carbon dioxide.subterranean termites, reticulitermes spp., were attracted to carbon dioxide (co2) in laboratory and field tests. in behavioral bioassays, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), reticulitermes tibialis banks, and reticulitermes virginicus banks were attracted to co2 concentrations between 5 and 50 mmol/mol. in further bioassays, r. tibialis and r. virginicus were attracted to the headspace from polyisocyanurate construction foam that contained 10-12 mmol/mol co2. in soil bioassays in the laboratory, ...200515889741
gene expression profiles among immature and adult reproductive castes of the termite reticulitermes flavipes.array-based genomic studies were conducted with the goal of identifying immature (i.e. nymph) and adult reproductive caste-biased gene expression in the termite reticulitermes flavipes. using cdna macro-arrays, we identified thirty-four nymph-biased genes falling into eight ontogenic categories. based on gene expression profiles among diverse castes and developmental stages (determined by quantitative pcr), several important trends emerged. these findings highlight the importance of several deve ...200515663773
isolation and characterization of norharmane from reticulitermes termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).the fluorescent alkaloid norharmane has been isolated from reticulitermes termites and characterized by 1h nmr, uv/vis, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. microcoil 1h nmr spectroscopy allowed spectra to be obtained from mass-limited material, facilitating the identification of norharmane, which is the major component in termite fluorescence under uv light. norharmane was uniformly present at approximately 1 ng/mg in reticulitermes tibialis banks workers, soldiers, and ...200516334338
influence of soil compaction on tunnel network construction by the eastern subterranean termite (isoptera: rhinotermitidae).eastern subterranean termites, reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), workers were introduced into arenas containing low, moderate, and high compaction builder's sand (1.05 g/cm3, 1.18 g/cm3 or 1.35 g/cm3 bulk densities, respectively), and they immediately began tunneling. termites built the tunnel network significantly fastest in soil of low compaction compared with moderately or highly compacted soil. in soil of low compaction, 221.67 +/- 4.73 cm of total tunnel distance was constructed in 1 d comp ...200414998131
colony genetic organization and colony fusion in the termite reticulitermes flavipes as revealed by foraging patterns over time and space.temporal and spatial analyses are seldom utilized in the study of colony genetic structure, but they are potentially powerful methods which can yield novel insights into the mechanisms underlying variation in breeding systems. here we present the results of a study which incorporated both of these dimensions in an examination of genetic structure of subterranean termites in the genus reticulitermes (primarily r. flavipes). most colonies of this species (70%) were simple families apparently heade ...200414717897
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