Refinement of methods for sexing instars and caste members in Neotermes koshunensis (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)

Abstract

Exact sexing of individuals is important to an understanding of termite societies. We found that the female-specific sexual character of the elongated seventh sternite, known in other termites, is useful for distinguishing the sex of individuals of the dry-wood termite Neotermes koshunensis (Shiraki) from the fifth instar onward. The method described is highly efficient at sexing instars, nymphs, soldiers and alates.