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Termites fumigate their nests with naphthalene

Nature volume 392, pages 558–559 (1998)Cite this article

Abstract

Termite nests provide a controlled environment and physical defence for the colonies of insects they house1. Another important factor involved in colony defence may be volatile chemicals present in the nest: we have found the hydrocarbon naphthalene in extracts of the nest material produced by Formosan subterranean termites. This is the first time naphthalene has been found naturally associated with any insect species.

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Figure 1: Soldier termites following a naphthalene trail.

References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, 70803, Louisiana, USA

    J. Chen & G. Henderson

  2. United States Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, PO Box 19687, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, 70179, Louisiana, USA

    C. C. Grimm & S. W. Lloyd

  3. Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 70803, Louisiana, USA

    R. A. Laine

Authors
  1. J. Chen
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  2. G. Henderson
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  3. C. C. Grimm
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  4. S. W. Lloyd
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  5. R. A. Laine
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Chen, J., Henderson, G., Grimm, C. et al. Termites fumigate their nests with naphthalene. Nature 392, 558–559 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/33305

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