Alarm, defense, and construction behavior relationships in termites (Isoptera)

Abstract

Evidence indicates that building behavior in termites is a direct consequence of low-level alarm stimuli and that its immediate function is defense. As in other forms of termite defense behavior, recruitment of nymphs and workers is accomplished by trail laying in conjuction with transmission of the alarm. The number recruited is related to the intensity of the input stimulus. Primary construction ceases when the original causal stimulus is eliminated by the effects of the actual building.