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termite soldier


termite soldier
Photo Information
Copyright: H Ralf Lundgren (bucanas) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 141 W: 1 N: 45] (1021)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-02-20
Categories: Insects
Exposure: f/9.9, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-02-24 6:42
Viewed: 564
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Soldiers


Termites with some nasutes
The soldier caste has anatomical and behavioural specializations, providing strength and armour which are primarily useful against ant attack. The proportion of soldiers within a colony varies both within and among species. Many soldiers have jaws so enlarged that they cannot feed themselves, but instead, like juveniles, are fed by workers. The pan-tropical sub family Nasutitermitinae (which should probably have the South American species separated) have soldiers with the ability to exude noxious liquids through either a horn-like nozzle (nasus) or simple hole in the head (fontanelle). Fontanelles which exude defensive secretions are also a feature of the family Rhinotermitidae. Many species are readily identified using the characteristics of the soldiers' heads, mandibles, or nasus. Among the drywood termites, a soldier's globular ("phragmotic") head can be used to block their narrow tunnels. Termite soldiers are usually blind, but in some families, soldiers developing from the reproductive line may have at least partly functional eyes.


A nasute
It's generally accepted that the specialization of the soldier caste is principally a defence against predation by ants. The wide range of jaw types and phragmotic heads provides methods which effectively block narrow termite tunnels against ant entry. A tunnel-blocking soldier can rebuff attacks from many ants. Usually more soldiers stand by behind the initial soldier so once the first one falls another soldier will take the place. In cases where the intrusion is coming from a breach that is larger than the soldier's head, defence requires special formations where soldiers form a phalanx-like formation around the breach blindly biting at intruders or shooting toxic glue from the nasus. This formation involves self-sacrifice because once the workers have repaired the breach during fighting no return is provided, causing the death of all the defenders.
Termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with their freshly hatched young taking the form of tiny termites that grow without significant morphological changes (other than wings and soldier specializations). Some species of termite have dimorphic soldiers (up to 3 times the size of smaller soldiers). Though their value is unknown, speculation is that they may function as an elite class that defends only the inner tunnels of the mound. Evidence for this is that, even when provoked, these large soldiers do not defend themselves but retreat deeper into the mound. On the other hand, dimorphic soldiers are common in some Australian species of Schedorhinotermes that neither build mounds nor appear to maintain complex nest structures. Some termite taxa are without soldiers; perhaps the best known of these are the Apicotermitinae.
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Ralf,
An incredible close-up with very nice clarity the exposure settings are well chosen. The detail in the head of this insect really stand out. TFS :)

Hello Ralf,
A good macro of this little termite. The detail is amazing when you get such a good close up. Nicely composed and good notes.
TFS Janice

Hi,
This is a very good macro shot. The colors and the details are amazing and i love the shine in this picture as well
Tfs,
Goutham R

Ciao Ralf,
complimenti per questa eccellente immagine che mostra una termite soldato.
La messa a fuoco su capo e mandibole è perfetta.
Grazie,
Marcello

Hello Ralf!
As I see you decided to show us a series of pictures with termites. Really nice idea, especially that you presented different "groups" of these insect. This soldier is really impressive, has huge head and mandibles.
I like also your educational note.
Best regards from Poland,
Radomir

Hello Ralf,
Good point of view, and this creepy little fellow is captured with sharp fine details!
Effective composition and a natural colour palette...
Greetings,
Pablo -

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