Comparative transcriptomic analysis and endocuticular protein gene expression of alate adults, workers and soldiers of the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis.

Background: The insect cuticle is mainly composed of exocuticle and endocuticle layers that consist of a large number of structural proteins. The thickness and synthesis of the exocuticle depend on different castes that perform various functions in alates, workers and soldiers. However, it is not clear whether the soft endocuticle is involved in the division of labour in termite colonies.

Transcriptome changes reveal the genetic mechanisms of the reproductive plasticity of workers in lower termites.

Background: The reproductive plasticity of termite workers provides colonies with tremendous flexibility to respond to environmental changes, which is the basis for evolutionary and ecological success. Although it is known that all colony members share the same genetic background and that differences in castes are caused by differences in gene expression, the pattern of the specific expression of genes involved in the differentiation of workers into reproductives remains unclear. In this study, the isolated workers of Reticulitermes labralis developed into reproductives, and then comparative transcriptomes were used for the first time to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the reproductive plasticity of workers.

The nest fungus of the lower termite Reticulitermes labralis.

Fitness-determining interactions with fungi have often been considered a by-product of social evolution in insects. In higher termites, the mutualistic association between the basidiomycete genus Termitomyces and Macrotermitinae is well known. However, whether and how lower termites use fungi is unclear.