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Studies on Water Relations in North American Termites. II. Water Loss and Cuticular Structures in Eastern Species of the Kalotermitidae (Isoptera)
Author(s) -
Collins Margaret S.,
Richards Glenn
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1933787
Subject(s) - biology , transpiration , ecology , instar , dryness , waterproofing , desiccation , habitat , invertebrate , botany , larva , photosynthesis , materials science , immunology , composite material
The rates of water loss from individuals of various species, ages and castes of termites of the family Kalotermitidae have been determined both in the natural condition and after treatment of the individuals with either peanut oil or alumina dust. Special histological methods were used to reveal the cement layer of the cuticle. While the waterproofing barrier may be completely developed at the time of molting to the adult stage, it is so delicate that obtaining completely intact animals is difficult. Greater variability in rates of loss between younger individuals within a caste, and higher sensitivity to rate—increasing effects of peanut oil and alumina dust are reflections of this situation. In older individuals within an instar, the cement layer appears as a discrete heavy layer. This layer could be a significant factor in maintaining the integrity of the transpiration—retarding waxes. Clearly there is a strong positive correlation between resistance to evaporative water loss and the dryness of the natural habitats of the various species. These, in turn, are related to the waterproofing layers of the epicuticle.