Transcript Seasonal changes in temperature tolerance in two

Using the right ballpoint pens in demonstrating
termite trail-following behavior
Dunlun Song and Xing Ping Hu
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University
Abstract
Market available ballpoint pens were evaluated for demonstrating termite trail-following behaviors in Extension Urban Entomology Educational Program. 41
different ballpoint pens (3 brands, 23 types and 5 colors) were tested against 2 subterranean termite species, the Formosan subterranean termite (FST,
Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) and the eastern subterranean termite (EST, Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar). Significant differences existed between
different pens, as well as between the 2 termite species in eliciting or demonstrating trail-following behaviors. Recommendation is made for using the pens
that stimulate the strongest positive reaction in each termite species.
Introduction
Demonstration of termite trail-following behavior is
imperative to inspire clients’ learning enthusiasm
and to enhance their understanding of basic termite
biology and behavior-based management
strategies in Urban Entomology Extension
Educational Programs. Ballpoint pens have long
been used to elicit termite trail-following. However,
failure and unexpected responses often occur when
using different pens or different species.
The objectives of this project is to test the
hypothesis that significant differences exist
between different ballpoint pens in eliciting termite
behavioral responses and between different termite
species in behavioral responding to pen inks. The
goal is to provide a solid information to extension
educators on what kind of ballpoint pens should be
used for termite trail-following demonstration.
Material and Methods
Termites: Workers from FST and EST were tested.
Ballpoint pens: 41 different ballpoint pens from 3
most common brands (Papermate®, BIC®, and
Pilot®) were evaluated.
Bioassay: A circle of 5.5 cm was draw on a lettersized white paper. A worker was placed in the
center of the circle. Termite response to the ink
circle was observed for <2 min. Repeat 20 times
with a new termite and a new circle on a new
paper.
Termite behavioral reactions were recorded as 3
types:
A: Strong positive response: a termite located the
ink trail in <15 sec and followed the trail ever since.
B: A negative response (>15 second) followed by a
positive response.
C: No response: the test termite walked away
indifferently and randomly.
Results
Conclusion and Discussion
Brand
Color EST FST
BIC
BIC-atlantis
BIC-medium
BIC-round stic crip med
BIC-soft jeel med
BIC-wide body grip med
BIC-wide body grip med
BIC-xxl
PAPERMATE
PAPERMATE
PAPERMATE-flexgrip ultra med
PAPERMATE-med.pt
PAPERMATE-med.pt
PAPERMATE
PAPERMATE-comfort make m
BIC-round stic med/moy
BIC
BIC-medium/moyen
BIC-medium/moyen
BIC-round stic crip med
BIC-round stic crip med
BIC-round stic med/moy
BIC-smoothie
BIC-soft jeel med
BIC-soft jeel med
BIC-ultra round stic grip
BIC-velocity
BIC-velocity
PAPERMATE-flex grip fine
PAPERMATE-write bros med pt
BIC-wide body grip med
PAPERMATE-flex grip med
PILOT
BIC
BIC
BIC-cristal gel med
BIC-cristal gel med
BIC-round stic medium
BIC-velocity
BIC-velocity
PAPERMATE-eraser mate med
black
black
black
red
black
black
red
black
black
blue
blue
black
blue
red
black
black
blue
black
blue
black
blue
blue
black
blue
red
blue
blue
green
black
red
blue
blue
blue
green
red
black
blue
blue
purple
red
blue
6
.
8
3
B
2
I
C
X
X
L
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
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A
A
A
A
A
A
B
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B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
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B
C
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C
C
A
A
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C
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C
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C
Recommended ballpoint pens for termite trail-following
behavior are those eliciting type A behavior, according
to the termite species you use in your extension
program. The pen-ink drawing can be any shape or
size since they have no effect on how termites will
respond to it. Pens elicit type B response can also be
used if you wait for a couple of sec before place
termite to the drawing.
Chen et al (1998) identified 2-phenoxyethanol from
Papermate® ballpoint pen ink as the trail-following
substance with greatest activity at 0.0023-0.23 μg/cm.
If it is the only active ingredient, type A pen inks
should have this chemical at appropriate amount, type
B pen inks may either have it at higher concentrations
or contain a more volatile chemical that is repellent to
termites, type C may simply do not have this
substance.
Fig. 1. Trail-following arena
Fig. 2. Author was demonstrating termite
following behavior