The strength of sexual signals predicts same-sex pairing in two Coptotermes termites.

This article investigates the relationship between sex pheromone signaling and same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) in two termite species, *Coptotermes formosanus* and *Coptotermes gestroi*, which share the same sex pheromone chemical but differ in its quantity. The study finds that stronger female-produced pheromones in *C. formosanus* correlate with more stable female–female tandem runs (sender–sender SSB), while weaker pheromones in *C. gestroi* lead to increased male–male following attempts (receiver–receiver SSB), though these male–male tandems are generally unstable in both species. These findings suggest that the evolution and strength of sexual signals influence the occurrence and type of SSB, with distinct proximate mechanisms for sender and receiver roles in sexual communication. The research highlights diversity in SSB behaviors even among closely related species and underscores the role of sexual communication in shaping these behaviors.