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Reproductive mechanisms in a Nasutitermes species (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Mecanismo reprodutivo em Nasutitermes sp. (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The number of reproductive individuals present in colonies of Nasutitermes sp. was analysed, and its possible reproductive strategy discussed. Twenty-four nests were collected and opened, and a single queen and king were found in 17 of them. In the other 7 nests, no queen or king were neither found, nor any other reproductive individual. All quee ns were weighed, and the number of eggs laid by them was counted. No relationship between the volume of the nests and the weight of their respective queens was found, but the number of eggs laid by the queens during an hour was positively correlated to their weight .

Nasutitermes; Isoptera; Termitidae; reproduction; polygyny


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