Sources of the Proctodeal Trophallaxis Substances of Reticulitermes chinensis (Isoptera:Rhinotermitidae)

【Objective 】 This study aims to investigate the sources of the proctodeal trophallaxis substances of Reticulitermes chinensis,and provide reference for further study on the mechanism of trophallaxis and control of the termite.【Method】 The morphological changes of the alimentary canal in different types of individuals were compared by microanatomy. The contents of protein in the paunch( P3) and colon( P4) + rectum( P5) in different instar workers were measured,and the sources of the proctodeal trophallaxis substances of R. chinensis were determined. The relationship between "provider"and "recipient"of different instar workers in the proctodeal trophallaxis was inferred by counting the proportion of different instar workers in different nests. 【Result】1) The P3 of the queen was the most developed among different types of individuals and its contents were viscous and yellowish brown color. The P3 of the worker was relatively developed and its contents were viscous and yellowish brown color. The P3 of soldier was