A comprehensive review on the documented characteristics of four Reticulitermes termites (Rhinotermitidae, Blattodea) of China / Uma revisão abrangente sobre as características documentadas de quatro cupins Reticulitermes da China

Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China's Mainland.

Os cupins são conhecidos como insetos sociais em todo o mundo. Atualmente na China foram relatadas 473 espécies, 44 gêneros e 4 famílias de cupins. Destas, 111 espécies de Reticulitermes estão amplamente distribuídas em diferentes zonas da China. A temporada de voo de dispersão dessas espécies chinesas de Reticulitermes geralmente começa de fevereiro a junho, mas em algumas regiões diferentes espécies são distribuídas, compartilhando seus limites e tendo temporadas de voo sobrepostas. Essas razões tornam-se importantes fontes de hibridização entre duas populações heteroespecíficas de cupins. Foi confirmado que os ovos fertilizados e não fertilizados de alguns cupins Reticulitermes possuem capacidade de clivagem. Já os ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis, R. chinensis e R. labralis clivaram normalmente, e os únicos ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis se desenvolvem em embriões. R. flaviceps e R. chinensis foram observados com desenvolvimento embrionário anormal, e não eclosão de ovos por partenogênese. Eles foram relatados como mais ameaçadores para os recursos chineses à medida que se propagam com partenogênese, hibridização e reprodução sexual. Casca de ovo e macrófilos de ovos desempenham papéis importantes na identificação e controle de espécies, embora sejam pragas graves e causem uma ampla gama de danos a estruturas e produtos de madeira em residências, edifícios, materiais de construção, árvores, plantações e florestas na China continental.

Selectivity of soil constituents by termites in the construction of Brazilian termite mounds

Termites can create structures that alter the physical and chemical properties of soils. In this process, termites are selective about the soil constituents they will use to construct their mounds. Considering the common occurrence of termite mounds in Brazilian soils, this study aimed to investigate the selective action of termites in the mound building process. Samples were collected from six termite mounds and control soils (at a distance of 15 to 30 m from the termite mound) in different regions in Brazil to analyze the fine earth fraction. The content of clay fraction, organic C and Fe in pedogenic iron oxides increased in the mounds resulting in specific surface area increments. X-ray diffraction indicated a selectivity of termites by clay-sized particles such as kaolinite, gibbsite and iron oxides (hematite and goethite) rather than larger particles such as quartz. The proportion of low-crystalline iron oxides and the maghemite amount decreased in the mounds. The change of color parameters in the termite mounds was due to a combination of increase in clay fraction, organic carbon and iron oxides. The techniques used were sensitive, indicating changes and similarities between the control soils and the termite mounds.(AU)

Ergatoid reproductives in the Neotropical termite Nasutitermes aquilinus (Holmgren) (Blattaria: Isoptera: Termitidae): developmental origin, fecundity, and genetics.

Termite colonies are usually headed by primary reproductives, which establish nests during the swarming season. However, secondary reproductives may develop in some species and become supplementary or replacement breeders, extending colony lifespan. Here we investigate the developmental origin, fecundity and genetic characterization of ergatoid reproductives in the Neotropical termite Nasutitermes aquilinus (Holmgren), using morphometrical and histological techniques, five microsatellite loci and the COI mitochondrial DNA. Twelve measurements performed on 208 apterous individuals of N. aquilinus revealed 10 groups, including ergatoid females, which developed from major workers through two successive molts, and were characterized by the presence of imaginal features such as eyes and wing buds. The differentiation of these features was correlated to physogastric development in these ergatoids. Histology revealed oocytes in all maturation stages in worker-derived reproductives of N. aquilinus, presence of nonflagellate spermatozoa inside the spermatheca, and royal fat body. Thus, ergatoid reproductives were reproductively functional. According to the genotypes of 221 individuals from 11 nests, and mitochondrial haplotypes of 43 ergatoids, 73% of the colonies were simple families, whereas 27% were extended families. Despite the occurrence of related reproductives, low inbreeding rates were detected within and among colonies. Such values could be explained given that sib mating itself cannot result in a higher inbreeding rate but depend on several factors discussed in detail. This is the first study to investigate the genetic structure of termite colonies influenced by the development of ergatoids, and further investigations are encouraged to understand the influence of these reproductives on colony lifespan.

Development and comparative morphology of the reproductive system in different aged males of the drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Blattaria, Isoptera, Kalotermitidae).

Termites are eusocial cockroaches, which have received great attention due to their diversity of reproductive strategies. Although these novelties allow new interpretations concerning the mating biology of these insects, studies highlighting the structure of the reproductive system are limited to some termite lineages. Here we provide the first comparative analysis of the reproductive system of a drywood termite, using different aged males of Cryptotermes brevis as models. This species represents an important structural pest in tropical regions, and most aspects of its reproductive biology remain unknown, especially on males. The reproductive apparatus of C. brevis is equipped with paired testes, composed of seven testicular lobes, in which developing spermatozoa are located. The basal portion of the lobes connects to the vasa deferentia and transport spermatozoa to a pair of enlarged chambers, the seminal vesicles. These structures join in a median ejaculatory duct, which opens to the external region through a retractile penis. Spermatozoa were observed in all C. brevis males, exhibiting elongated morphology and measuring about 10 µm in length/4 µm in width. Compared with last-instar nymphs and alates, functional kings showed enlarged testes and seminal vesicles, as well as an intense secretory activity towards the lumen of the latter structures. Histochemical tests evidenced strongly PAS and xylidine Ponceau positive reactions of the secretion only in functional kings, indicating the occurrence of glycoproteins. Thus, we suggest that morphophysiological changes establish during the maturation of the reproductive system in C. brevis.

Forrageamento e sobrevivência de colônias do cupim Nasutitermes sp em laboratório / Foraging and maintenance of Nasutitermes sp colonies (Isoptera: Termitidae) in laboratory

Os cupins são insetos sociais da ordem Isoptera, com cerca de 2.900 espécies catalogadas no mundo. No Brasil, são várias as espécies de importância agrícola e florestal. Caracterizam-se por colônias complexas do ponto de vista social e estrutural, muitas vezes subterrâneas, o que dificulta o seu completo conhecimento. Diante deste fato, este trabalho teve como objetivo a criação de colônias de cupins com importância agrícola em laboratório, para determinar as condições necessárias ao seu desenvolvimento, incluindo preferências de forrageamento. Colônias jovens foram coletadas em campo e mantidas em laboratório, num sistema artificial com condições estruturais (abrigo) e ambientais (luz, temperatura, umidade relativa do ar) que buscaram ser as mais similares possíveis àquelas naturais. Diferentes substratos foram oferecidos como opção alimentar. Após estabelecimento da criação laboratorial e observação do forrageamento de colônias do cupim Nasutitermes sp, verificou-se a preferência de forrageamento por raiz, seguida de matéria orgânica, folhas secas e frescas, equivalentemente. Verificou-se também sua adaptação à um sistema estrutural artificial composto por caixa central e caixa de alimentação, permitindo a manutenção das colônias por tempo indeterminado.

Termites are social insects of Isoptera order, with about 2,900 species cataloged in the world. In Brazil, there are several species of agricultural and forestry importance. They are characterized by complex colonies from the social and structural point of view, often subterranean, which hinders their complete knowledge. In view of this fact, this work had as objective the breeding of termite colonies with agricultural importance in the laboratory, of the genus Nasutitermes, to determine the necessary conditions for its development, including foraging preferencesfor different parts of Paspalum notatum. Young colonies were collected in field and kept in laboratory, in an artificial system with structural conditions (shelter) and environmental conditions (light, temperature, relative humidity) that sought to be the most similar to those natural ones. Different parts of P. notatum were offered as food option, in a test with a chance of choice. After establishing of laboratory rearingand observing the foraging of Nasutitermesspp. colonies, it was verified the preference of foraging by root, followed by decaying fragments, dry and fresh leaves, equivalently. It was also verified its adaptation to an artificial structural system composed of central box and feeding box, allowing the maintenance of the colonies for a minimum period of 5 months.

Forrageamento e sobrevivência de colônias do cupim Nasutitermes sp em laboratório / Foraging and maintenance of Nasutitermes sp colonies (Isoptera: Termitidae) in laboratory

Os cupins são insetos sociais da ordem Isoptera, com cerca de 2.900 espécies catalogadas no mundo. No Brasil, são várias as espécies de importância agrícola e florestal. Caracterizam-se por colônias complexas do ponto de vista social e estrutural, muitas vezes subterrâneas, o que dificulta o seu completo conhecimento. Diante deste fato, este trabalho teve como objetivo a criação de colônias de cupins com importância agrícola em laboratório, para determinar as condições necessárias ao seu desenvolvimento, incluindo preferências de forrageamento. Colônias jovens foram coletadas em campo e mantidas em laboratório, num sistema artificial com condições estruturais (abrigo) e ambientais (luz, temperatura, umidade relativa do ar) que buscaram ser as mais similares possíveis àquelas naturais. Diferentes substratos foram oferecidos como opção alimentar. Após estabelecimento da criação laboratorial e observação do forrageamento de colônias do cupim Nasutitermes sp, verificou-se a preferência de forrageamento por raiz, seguida de matéria orgânica, folhas secas e frescas, equivalentemente. Verificou-se também sua adaptação à um sistema estrutural artificial composto por caixa central e caixa de alimentação, permitindo a manutenção das colônias por tempo indeterminado.(AU)

Termites are social insects of Isoptera order, with about 2,900 species cataloged in the world. In Brazil, there are several species of agricultural and forestry importance. They are characterized by complex colonies from the social and structural point of view, often subterranean, which hinders their complete knowledge. In view of this fact, this work had as objective the breeding of termite colonies with agricultural importance in the laboratory, of the genus Nasutitermes, to determine the necessary conditions for its development, including foraging preferencesfor different parts of Paspalum notatum. Young colonies were collected in field and kept in laboratory, in an artificial system with structural conditions (shelter) and environmental conditions (light, temperature, relative humidity) that sought to be the most similar to those natural ones. Different parts of P. notatum were offered as food option, in a test with a chance of choice. After establishing of laboratory rearingand observing the foraging of Nasutitermesspp. colonies, it was verified the preference of foraging by root, followed by decaying fragments, dry and fresh leaves, equivalently. It was also verified its adaptation to an artificial structural system composed of central box and feeding box, allowing the maintenance of the colonies for a minimum period of 5 months.(AU)

Muelleritermes: A new termite genus with two species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae).

We present the description of Muelleritermes, new genus, and two new species: M. fritzi, sp. n. and M. globiceps, sp. n. Both species were found only in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. All castes are described and illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. These species seem to be closely related to the genera Velocitermes and Diversitermes, sharing traits such as the presence of three types of soldiers and workers and a short mixed segment. This genus differs from Velocitermes and Diversitermes in the presence of a few ommatids on soldier's head, behind the antennae. It also differs from Velocitermes in the lack of a constriction on the head of major soldiers, and from Diversitermes in the presence of short hairs on top of the soldier's head, instead of microscopic ones.

A taxonomic revision of the neotropical termite genus Ruptitermes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Apicotermitinae).

The taxonomy of Ruptitermes Mathews 1977 is revised. Nine new species are described: R. araujoi, sp. n. (from Brazil), R. atyra, sp. n. (from Brazil, Peru, and Panama), R. bandeirai, sp. n. (from Brazil), R. cangua, sp. n. (from Brazil), R. kaapora, sp. n. (from Paraguay and Brazil), R. krishnai, sp. n. (from Trinidad), R. maraca, sp. n. (from Brazil), R. piliceps, sp. n. (from Brazil), and R. pitan, sp. n. (from Brazil). Ruptitermes franciscoi (Snyder 1959), new combination, is transferred from Anoplotermes Fr. Müller to Ruptitermes. Ruptitermes proratus Emerson 1949 is placed under the synonymy of R. reconditus (Silvestri, 1901). The genus is redescribed to accommodate all the species included. Ruptitermes arboreus, R. reconditus and R. xanthochiton are redescribed based on the examination of large series. A key to the 13 species of the genus based on the external morphology of workers is provided. The enteric valve armature is described and illustrated for all species except R. kaapora. Distribution maps are presented for all species.

Compositermes bani sp.n. (Isoptera, Termitidae, Apicotermitinae), a new species of soldierless termite from Bolivia.

Species of neotropical Apicotermitinae (Termitidae) are soldierless, restricting species identification in this group to workers or seasonally present winged imagos. All neotropical Apicotermitinae were placed in the genus Anoplotermes, until Mathews (1977) described two new genera, Grigiotermes and Ruptitermes. Fontes (1986) described two more genera, Aparatermes and Tetimatermes. Twenty years passed without any taxonomic advances in this group until Scheffrahn et al. 2006 described two new Anoplotermes species from the West Indies and Bourguignon et al. 2010 described Longustitermes manni, (=Anoplotermes manni Snyder), Anoplotermes janus, and placed six other species into synonymy. Finally, Scheffrahn 2013 described a new genus and species, Compositermes vindai, characterized by a ring of sclerotized paddles at the junction of the enteric valve seating (EVS) and paunch (P3).

Evaluation of growth and foraging in laboratory colonies of Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae).

Coptotermes gestroi is an exotic species in Brazil that forages on several food items at the same time. Different laboratory tests were performed with 6-year-old colonies of this termite in order to follow the development and displacement of these colonies, considering which castes and instars were transferred or moved from their original chamber. Two bioassays were carried out, one with similar alternative foods (Pinus sp. sawdust), and the other with different alternative foods (large block of Pinus taeda and small block of Pinus elliottii). The colonies of C. gestroi did not show preferences in the allocation of foragers when they had alternative similar foods. However, they were found in the chamber that contained the small block of P. elliottii, when termites had the alternative of different blocks of Pinus, indicating an environment most favorable for the nucleus of the colony (royal cup and brood). Many factors may have influenced this choice as more nutritive alimentary resource for brood or the presentation of the food, which allowed better colony accommodation. C. gestroi did not have difficulties of migration from one chamber to another and this characteristic may be a risk factor in urban infestations of this severe pest.

Incisitermes nishimurai, a new drywood termite species (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) from the highlands of Central America.

Incisitermes nishimurai is described from soldiers and winged imagos collected in the highlands of Honduras. It is distinguished from all other Incisitermes species by the dark rugosity of the soldier frons and by the rather large, uniformly very dark, imago.

A taxonomic revision of the soil-feeding termite genus Anhangatermes (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae).

The taxonomy of Anhangatermes Constantino 1990 is revised. Four new species are described: Anhangatermes anhanguera, sp. n., Anhangatermes eurycephalus, sp. n., Anhangatermes juruena, sp. n., and Anhangatermes pilosus, sp. n. The imago of Anhangatermes is described for the first time (A. pilosus). A key to the species of the genus based on soldiers and workers is provided. The diagnosis of the genus is updated to accommodate the new species. The geographic range of the genus is expanded to the Cerrado region of Central Brazil. The gizzard armature of the worker of Anhangatermes is described in detail for the first time.

Age-dependent changes in ultrastructure of the defensive glands of Neocapritermes taracua workers (Isoptera, Termitidae).

Protection against predators and competitors is one of the main concerns of termite colonies, which developed a specialised defensive caste, the soldiers. However, soldiers are rare or even missing in several lineages of termites, while workers often develop new defence strategies especially in soil-feeding species. Here, we describe the morphology and ultrastructure of the autothysis-associated glands of Neocapritermes taracua workers and report their age-related changes in structure. The defensive glands of N. taracua workers consist of a pair of labial and a pair of crystal glands, whose secretions mix together through autothysis. Autothysis always occurs at the line of weakness connecting the anterior parts of the crystal-bearing pouches. The crystal glands consist of groups of bicellular secretory units (secretory and corresponding canal cells) which secrete the blue crystal material into external pouches. Their secretory activity is maximal in the middle of worker life, and is considerably lower in very young and old workers. The labial glands are composed of two types of secretory cells: the central and the parietal cells. While the central cells are developed similarly to other termites and secrete proteinaceous secretion into labial gland ducts, the parietal cells develop proteinaceous granules which may eventually bud off the cells. The secretory function of parietal cells is so far unique to N. taracua and differs from other termite species in which they are only responsible of water uptake by acini. The defensive device of N. taracua is truly exceptional as it involves a new gland and a previously undescribed function for parietal cells, being a remarkable example of evolution of morphological innovation.

The fat body of termites: functions and stored materials.

The functions of the fat body in the different castes of termites, and accumulation of energy reserves, proteins and urates within this organ, are reviewed. The termite fat body is involved in multiple metabolic activities, including recycling of nitrogen. Termite fat body showed three different types of cells: adipocytes, urocytes and mycetocytes, the latter restricted to the species Mastotermes darwiniensis. Adipocytes synthesize and store lipids, glycogen and several proteins. These cells also elaborate important peptides, including some that act in immune processes. Urocytes are responsible for the storage of spherocrystals of urates, which vary quantitatively among the termite castes. The different metabolic functions of the fat body in the several castes and stages of termites are associated with specific adipocyte morphologies. The synthesis and storage of different compounds modify the structure of the fat body; this differentiation is coordinated by hormones involved with molting and reproductive cycles.

On the apterous line of the termite Velocitermes heteropterus (Isoptera: Termitidae): developmental pathways and cellulose digestion.

Termites are social insects with an extraordinary ability to digest cellulose. Termite societies are structured into castes, and patterns of postembryonic development vary between different termite species. The apterous line may exhibit polymorphism ("physical castes"), in which workers are dimorphic and soldiers can be either dimorphic or trimorphic. We examined the occurrence of polymorphism in the apterous line of Velocitermes heteropterus and determined the developmental pathways for this termite species. We also investigated the expression of the cellulase genes encoding ß-glucosidase and endo-ß-1,4-glucanase among the castes to determine whether there is a difference in digestion and, consequently, a possible division of labor with respect to this activity among the worker castes. The apterous line of V. heteropterus presents individuals of both sexes with two larval instars. The female larvae become major workers, and the male larvae become minor workers and soldiers. The expression of ß-glucosidase was similar within the castes, but the expression of endo-ß-1,4-glucanase was higher in workers than in soldiers. No significant differences were found between minor and major workers. These results suggest that there is no division of labor between the minors and majors with regard to cellulose digestion, with both workers contributing similarly to this process.

Caste differentiation pathways in the neotropical termite Armitermes holmgreni (Isoptera: Termitidae).

The present study investigated the caste differentiation system of Armitermes holmgreni in natural colonies from the Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. Thirteen measurements were made of the termites encountered in three colonies. The morphometric differences among the instars were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The differentiation patterns of the nymphal lineages of A. holmgreni agreed with earlier descriptions of species of the Termitidae family, with one larval instar followed by five nymphal instars and alates. Nymphoid neotenics became differentiated starting at the fourth or fifth nymphal instar. Two larval instars were observed in the apterous lineage before the appearance of workers, presoldiers, and soldiers. Both workers and soldiers had only one instar each. The A. holmgreni workers consisted of male and female individuals, without sexual dimorphism, a situation that had not been previously recognized among the Syntermitinae. The A. holmgreni soldiers consisted only of female individuals, a pattern observed in most species of Termitinae and Macrotermitinae. The differentiation of nymphoid neotenics starting at the fourth or fifth nymphal instar has also been reported for Armitermes euamignathus. The general patterns of differentiation of A. holmgreni were similar to those previously observed in other species of Syntermitinae.

A simulation study of territory size distribution of mangrove termites on Atlantic coast of Panama.

The territory size distribution of the termites Nasutitermes nigriceps and Nasutitermes corniger (Isoptera: Termitidae) in a mangrove forest on the Atlantic coast of Panama showed a rapidly decline region in the rear part and was strongly affected by the degree of connection between the prop roots of mangrove trees [Adams, E.S., Levings, S., 1987. Territory size and population limits in mangrove termites. J. Anim. Ecol. 56, 1069-1081]. To account for these empirical facts, we introduced a lattice model to simulate territorial competition under seasonal cycle, dry and wet season. The simulated territory grew during the wet season while it shrunk during the dry season. The model simulation showed that the shrinkage and expansion process resulted in winner and loser territories in the territorial competition, which consequently led to generate the declining regions.

Recursos alimentares explorados pelos cupins (Insecta: Isoptera) / Food resources exploited by termites (Insecta: Isoptera)

Os cupins são insetos sociais pertencentes à ordem Isoptera e constituem um dos grupos de invertebrados dominantes em ambientes terrestres tropicais. Atualmente, existem cerca de 2.900 espécies descritas, que estão distribuídas em sete famílias: Mastotermitidae, Kalotermitidae, Termopsidae, Hodotermitidae, Serritermitidae, Rhinotermitidae e Termitidae. A região neotropical engloba 537 espécies, e dessas, aproximadamente 300 ocorrem no Brasil e pertencem às famílias Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, Serritermitidae e Termitidae. Apesar dos isópteros serem bastante conhecidos pelo seu potencial como praga, o papel ecológico dos térmitas no ambiente é primordial, visto que desempenham o papel de consumidores primários e/ou decompositores nos ecossistemas naturais. Esses insetos participam ativamente na trituração, decomposição, humificação e mineralização de uma variedade de recursos celulósicos. Uma grande diversidade de material orgânico, em vários estágios de decomposição, pode servir de alimento para os cupins, incluindo madeira (viva ou morta), gramíneas, plantas herbáceas, serapilheira, fungos, ninhos construídos por outras espécies de cupins, excrementos e carcaças de animais, liquens e até mesmo material orgânico presente no solo (húmus). Essa vasta gama de fontes alimentares permitiu aos cupins ocuparem quase todas as regiões quentes e temperadas da Terra, ocorrendo em praticamente todos os ambientes terrestres, naturais ou modificados pela espécie humana. Portanto, os isópteros são encontrados nas matas tropicais e temperadas, cerrados, savanas, caatingas, restingas, mangues, campos, culturas, pastagens e cidades.

Termites are social insects belonging to the order Isoptera and constitute one of the dominant groups of invertebrates in terrestrial environments of the tropical region. Currently, there are around 2,900 species described in seven families: Mastotermitidae, Kalotermitidae, Termopsidae, Hodotermitidae, Serritermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae. The Neotropical region contains 537 species, and from these, approximately 300 occur in Brazil and belong to the families Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, Serritermitidae and Termitidae. Although the Isoptera has been known by their potential as pest, the ecological role of the termites in the environment is primordial since they play a role as primary consumers and/or decomposers in natural ecosystems. These insects participate actively in the crushing, decomposition, humus production and mineralization of a variety of cellulose-based resources. A great diversity of organic material, in several stages of decomposition, may serve as food for termites, including wood (sound or decayed), grass, herbaceous plants, litter, fungi, nests built by other termite species, dung and carrion, lichen and even organic material present in the soil (humus). This vast range of food sources allowed the termites to occupy almost all the tropical and temperate regions of the Earth, occurring practically in all the terrestrial environments, natural or modified by the human species. Therefore, termites are found in the tropical and temperate forests, cerrados, savannas, caatingas, shallow places, mangrove regions, low vegetation stems, crops, pastures and urban environments.

Neotenic formation in laboratory colonies of the termite Coptotermes gestroi after orphaning.

The termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann 1896) (Rhinotermitidae: Coptotermitinae) is an exotic species in Brazil and information concerning its reproductive developmental biology is scarce. We induced the formation of neotenics in laboratory colonies through orphaning experiments. Orphaning experiments were conducted in three-year old colonies of C. gestroi kept under laboratory conditions. After three months, eight nymphoid neotenics were observed in one colony after queen removal. Histological analysis showed that these neotenics were non-functional. The results suggest that these individuals may have arisen from the first nymphal instar (N1) or from an early N1 instar after one or two larval moults. Neotenics also were recorded on two incipient colonies of C. gestroi that lost the queen naturally.