Vibrational Behavior in Termites (Isoptera)

Communication with nestmates is among the characteristic features of termites and relies, as in other highly social taxa, on a complex network of chemical and mechanical signals. In contrast to other social insect taxa, the role of visual cues is negligible. Termites make use of substrate-borne vibrations as alarm signals to communicate with nestmates. Furthermore, vibrational cues, such as the resonance vibrations induced by gnawing, are of major importance for nesting and foraging decisions. In this chapter, we review the literature on vibrational communication in termites. First, we will focus on the production of vibrational signals by drumming and tremulation. Second, the current knowledge on vibrational perception in termites is summarized. Further, the context of signaling, the reaction of signal receivers, and the intra- and interspecific use of vibrational cues produced by termites are reviewed. The physical properties of the substrate, through which vibrational signals travel, are crucial for successful communication. In this context, we discuss the outstanding fact that termites construct the substrate, i.e., the nest, mound, and galleries they live in and communicate through, by themselves.