Nitrogen content of the exuviae of Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae)

Subterranean termites are hemimetabolous social insects where most of the individuals in a colony molt on a regular basis until they die. Nitrogen is a limiting growth factor in wood-feeding insects, such as termites. Because the exuviae of molting termites are consumed by nestmates, it is possible that exuviae represent a potential source of nitrogen that could be recycled and be part of the overall nitrogen conservation strategy of the colony. Although it was documented that cockroach exuviae can contain relatively high levels of nitrogen, the nitrogen content of subterranean termite exuviae has not been examined. This study determines the nitrogen content of Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) exuviae collected from four-year-old laboratory colonies using a carbon/nitrogen analyzer. Coptotermes gestroi exuviae contained 11.24 +/- 0.64% N (Mean +/- SD). The exuviae had a higher proportion of nitrogen than whole bodies of termites (similar to 10.46%), wood (similar to 0.12%), and organic soil (similar to 2.49%). These results support the importance of exuviae consumption by nestmates during the ecdysis process as an aspect of nitrogen conservation strategies in Coptotermes colonies.

Automated summary

The study determined the nitrogen content of subterranean termite exuviae and found that they contain a high proportion of nitrogen. This suggests that exuviae consumption may be part of the nitrogen conservation strategy within termite colonies.