Termite Queens Use Specific Chemicals to Prevent Other Termites from Developing into New Queens.

North Carolina State University entomologist Dr. Ed Vargo and colleagues from Japan and Switzerland have for the first time shown that specific chemicals are used by some termite queens to prevent other termites in the colony from developing into new queens.

The key is a combination of two chemical compounds called n-butyl-n-butyrate and 2-methyl-1-butanol in a pheromone perfume. The study gives a peep into the mechanisms behind the ways colonies of termites and other social insects regulate themselves.

The scientists say termites molt frequently throughout their lives and can change castes depending on conditions in the colony.

Details of the study appears in the latest issue of journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences