Attraction and vibration: Effects of previous exposure and type of food resource in the perception of allocolonial odors in termites

Social insects have an efficient recognition system that guarantees social cohesion and protection against intruders in their colonies and territories. However, the energy costs in constant conflicts with neighboring colonies could promote a reduction in the fitness of colonies. Here, we evaluated the effect of previous exposure to allocolonial odor and the consumption of similar food resources on aggressive behavior and choice of allocolonial cues in Nasutitermes aff. coxipoensis (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). Our results showed that intercolonial aggressiveness was not affected by previous exposure to allocolonial odor and by the consumption of similar food resources. However, individuals previously exposed to allocolonial odor were more attracted to these odors than individuals who had no prior exposure to allocolonial odor. In addition, individuals from colonies of N. aff. coxipoensis that use similar food resources increased alertness via a greater number of vibration than individuals who consumed different food resources. In general, our results indicate that colonies of N. aff coxipoensis perceive allocolonial cues that have been previously exposed and that the consumption of similar resources triggers an alert signal between individuals. Additional studies are necessary to assess how widespread this capacity of perception is present among the different Isoptera groups and the consequences of colony recognition odor cues on termite space use.