JOURNAL ARTICLE

Divergent effects of climatic factors on termite body size: alate versus worker castes.

  • Published In: Environmental Entomology, 2024, v. 53, n. 6. P. 1157 1 of 3

  • Database: Environment Complete 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Lin, Wen-Jun; Chiu, Chun-I; Li, Hou-Feng 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the intraspecific variation in body size between worker and alate castes of *Odontotermes formosanus* (Shiraki), a common termite species in Taiwan, and examines how geographic and climatic factors influence these variations. The study finds that worker body size positively correlates with both latitude and elevation, while alate body size correlates only with elevation. Both castes exhibit larger body sizes in cooler temperatures, but differ in their responses to humidity and precipitation: alates show positive size correlations with precipitation and stronger effects of humidity, whereas workers do not. These divergent patterns between castes provide evidence of trait evolution decoupling within a species, likely shaped by distinct environmental pressures and life history roles.

Additional Information

  • Source:Environmental Entomology. 2024/12, Vol. 53, Issue 6, p1157
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0046-225X
  • DOI:10.1093/ee/nvae088
  • Accession Number:181951377
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