Sinais químicos de forrageio em Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae): do comportamento a uma alternativa de controle

Abstract

Although termites play an important role in the functioning of ecosystems and in increasing local biodiversity, some species are known to cause negative impacts in urban, agricultural, and forest environments. Controlling pest termites is often hampered due to their cryptic habit, complex social organization, and communication among colony members. Thus the management of their populations could be more effective by understanding the communication mechanisms that are involved in the search for resources. In recent decades, new approaches using pheromones to control insects have emerged, however, studies on this type of control are still lacking for insect pests in urban environments. Pheromones are non-toxic substances, biodegradable and generally specific, allowing a more ecologically viable control. Thus, the overall objective of the present work was study the chemical signals involved in foraging communication, including the role of intercolonial chemical cues. To this, bioassays of trailing, behavior and bait colonization with different chemical foraging signals were conducted with different groups of N. corniger. Our results reveal the foraging complexity of N. corniger, as well as behavioral change in the face of intercolonial signals and a higher group attractiveness for baits containing intercolonial chemical signals compared to baits containing the insecticide imidacloprid. Such results not only contribute to a better understanding of the foraging of N. corniger, but also to indicate chemical foraging signals as a possible alternative to the exclusive use of insecticide for the control this pest.