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Janzen's experimental removal of acacia ants demonstrated ant-free acacias suffered SEVERE HERBIVORY DAMAGE — direct experimental evidence that the ants are essential for acacia survival in herbivore-rich neotropical habitats.
Soldiers have specialized 'NASUS' nose-like projection that ejects a STICKY DEFENSIVE GLUE composed of complex terpene resins at predator threats. Glue HARDENS immediately upon air exposure, immobilizing attackers.
Soldiers have SHARP CONICAL HEAD with the specialized nasus — one of the most extraordinary soldier morphological adaptations in modern termites. Source of the 'conehead' common name.
Invaded SOUTH FLORIDA in 2001 (Dania Beach) — first established invasion of an arboreal Nasutitermes termite in NA. Focus of intensive USDA-APHIS and Florida Department of Agriculture eradication efforts.
Constructs LARGE ARBOREAL NESTS on tree branches and trunks — dark brown rounded 'CARTON' NESTS made of chewed wood and termite saliva, 30 cm to 1+ m in size depending on colony maturity.
Colonies under attack respond with HUNDREDS OF NASUTE SOLDIERS swarming to attack sites and simultaneously ejecting glue at attackers — often forming a coordinated 'wall of glue' that repels even large predator swarms.
The SINGLE MOST DAMAGING DRYWOOD TERMITE in the world — annual global structural damage and control costs total HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS across infested subtropical regions.
Infests DRY UNTREATED WOOD INSIDE BUILDINGS WITHOUT requiring SOIL CONTACT OR MOISTURE — unique among termites. Establishes colonies inside timber framing, furniture, beams without external soil/water connection.
Spreads GLOBALLY through INFESTED MATERIALS — colonies in wooden furniture, packaging, antiques, and building materials survive shipping across oceans, allowing colonization of new regions wherever infested materials are imported.
The species responsible for the dramatic WHOLE-HOUSE FUMIGATION TENT — buildings completely covered with polyethylene tent for several days, then fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride gas. Common sight in CA, FL, HI, other infested regions.
Soldiers have DARK PHRAGMOTIC HEAD CAPSULE used to PLUG TUNNEL ENTRANCES against ant attack — soldiers position at tunnel entrances and use the dark hard head as a 'door' that seals the tunnel.
Hackberry emperors are STRONGLY ATTRACTED TO HUMAN SWEAT — frequently land on bare skin, sweaty clothing, salt-encrusted hats and shoes to drink the salt-and-protein-rich fluids using the long proboscis.
Sweat-landing is one of the most-cited examples of MUD-PUDDLING in NA Lepidoptera — adult butterflies (especially males) seek salt-and-mineral-rich fluids from mud, animal urine and feces, decaying fruits, and human secretions for sodium and amino acids.
Mud-puddling males transfer salts to females during mating as a 'NUPTIAL GIFT' that supports egg production — males invest more heavily in salt-seeking than females because the salts they collect benefit their own reproductive success.
Restricted to forests where HACKBERRY TREES (Celtis occidentalis and related Celtis species) grow — the only known larval host plants. Larvae feed exclusively on hackberry leaves.
Distinctive underside pattern with prominent EYESPOTS on the underside of the hindwing — typically 5-6 small dark eyespots arranged in a row. Diagnostic field-ID feature distinguishing from related Asterocampa species.
The LARGEST TERMITE in North America — workers and soldiers reach 12-25 mm body length, substantially larger than the familiar subterranean and drywood termites of NA structural pest management.
Family Archotermopsidae includes some of the most BASAL LIVING TERMITES — only 4 Zootermopsis species worldwide represent a small relictual lineage closely related to the common ancestor of all modern termites.
Has NO MORPHOLOGICALLY DISTINCT WORKER CASTE — 'pseudergate' workers are juvenile termites that retain reproductive potential, can develop into reproductives or soldiers depending on colony needs.
Restricted to the PACIFIC NORTHWEST coastal regions (BC, WA, OR, northern CA) — geographic distribution defined by the cool moist climate and abundant dead conifer wood the species requires.
Depends on SYMBIOTIC PROTOZOA in the gut for cellulose digestion — primitive characteristic shared with cockroaches (the closest living relatives of termites). Lost in more derived termite families.
SPRAYS TOXIC ALDEHYDE DEFENSIVE SECRETION (anisomorphal — named after the genus) accurately at predator threats UP TO 40 CM AWAY from specialized prothoracic glands.
Spray is INTENSELY IRRITATING to vertebrate eyes — humans hit in the eyes can experience severe pain, temporary blindness lasting 10-30 minutes, and CORNEAL DAMAGE requiring medical treatment.
Famous 'DEVIL RIDER' MATING BEHAVIOR — pairs are commonly found with the smaller MALE RIDING ON THE BACK OF THE LARGER FEMALE for extended periods (sometimes days at a time). Mate-guarding to prevent rival males.
Body marked by THREE pale longitudinal stripes (despite the 'two-striped' common name — the central stripe is sometimes less prominent than the lateral stripes, leading to occasional miscounting).
Unlike the more familiar slender twig-mimic walking sticks, Anisomorpha is SHORTER AND STOUTER with less-effective twig camouflage — relies on chemical defense instead of cryptic morphology.
The LOUDEST ANIMAL ON EARTH scaled to body size — male stridulation calls reach 99 DECIBELS UNDERWATER, exceeding the loudness of a passing freight train relative to body size.
Calls produced by RUBBING THE MALE'S PENIS AGAINST RIDGES ON THE ABDOMEN — dramatically unusual form of stridulation. Most insects stridulate by rubbing wings or legs together; water boatmen use genitalia-against-abdomen.
Calls are so loud that human listeners standing on the bank of a pond can hear them FROM ABOVE THE WATER through the air-water interface — most underwater sounds are inaudible to land listeners.
Carries a layer of AIR ON THE BODY SURFACE (especially under wing-covers and on underside of abdomen — held in place by hydrophobic body hairs) that serves as oxygen supply during underwater excursions.
