dc.contributor.author |
Seid, Marc A. |
en |
dc.contributor.author |
Scheffrahn, Rudolf H. |
en |
dc.contributor.author |
Niven, Jeremy |
en |
dc.date.accessioned |
2011-02-16T18:27:25Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2011-02-16T18:27:25Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2008 |
|
dc.identifier.citation |
Seid, Marc A., Scheffrahn, Rudolf H., and Niven, Jeremy. 2008. "<a href="https%3A%2F%2Frepository.si.edu%2Fhandle%2F10088%2F12177">The rapid mandible strike of a termite soldier</a>." <em>Current Biology</em>. 18 (22):1049–1050. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2008.09.033">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2008.09.033</a> |
en |
dc.identifier.issn |
0960-9822 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/10088/12177 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
Arthropods use a remarkable variety of mechanisms to store energy for rapid ballistic movements []. These movements are primarily either for prey capture [] or for predator evasion [], although the mandible strike of the trap-jaw ant can produce both outcomes []. Soldiers of the termite Termes panamaensis (Snyder) also have a mandible strike [[9]]. We report that this mandible strike is a rapid, ballistic movement that functions neither for prey capture nor for predator evasion, but as a defence for the colony against insect invaders such as ants or other termite species. Unlike that of the trap-jaw ants [], the mandible strike of T. panamaensis soldiers involves a scissor-like movement of highly elongated mandibles across one another, powered by energy stored in deformation of the mandibles, a mechanism convergent with the mandible strike of the ant Mystrium[]. The velocity achieved during the T. panamaensis strike exceeds those reported for other ballistic movements in arthropods [] and generates sufficient force upon impact that a single blow can kill invaders within the narrow confines of their tunnels. |
en |
dc.relation.ispartof |
Current Biology |
en |
dc.title |
The rapid mandible strike of a termite soldier |
en |
dc.type |
Journal Article |
en |
dc.identifier.srbnumber |
77739 |
|
dc.identifier.doi |
10.1016/j.cub.2008.09.033 |
|
rft.jtitle |
Current Biology |
|
rft.volume |
18 |
|
rft.issue |
22 |
|
rft.spage |
1049 |
|
rft.epage |
1050 |
|
dc.description.SIUnit |
Encyclopedia of Life |
en |
dc.description.SIUnit |
Forces of Change |
en |
dc.description.SIUnit |
Peer-reviewed |
en |
dc.description.SIUnit |
STRI |
en |
dc.citation.spage |
1049 |
|
dc.citation.epage |
1050 |
|