Polygyny in termites: Multiple primary queens in colonies of Nasutitermes corniger (Motschuls) (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract

The Neotropical termite Nasutitermes corniger is facultatively polygynous. In areas of young second growth in the Republic of Panamá, polygynous colonies were found commonly. Of 35 nests collected with at least one queen, 12 colonies had from 2-22 primary (first-form) queens. All females were physogastric, fully pigmented, functional egg layers. Polygynous nests had one royal cell, sometimes with multiple chambers. The queens showed no aggression toward one another under laboratory conditions. All queens within an association were of approximately the same size and weight. It appears that polygynous colonies can be formed through budding of a parent nest and queening by several sibs from the parental colony (multiple adultoid reproductives). Formation may also be possible by cooperative co-founding of a nest by sibling queens without workers. Replacement of the original queen by more than one daughter may occur in N. corniger, but it is unlikely to be the sole method of generating polygyny in this species. Polygynous nests may grow faster, have a higher probability of survival, and a lower age of first reproduction than monogynous neighbors. I therefore predict that polygyny will prove most common in habitats where the probability of survival is low and rapid colony growth is advantageous. © 1982 Masson.