Chemical ecology of subterranean termites: how do workers find and utilize decaying wood?

Subterranean termites primarily utilize decaying wood as both food and nest material, and a portion of individuals within the worker caste engages in the exploration and colonization of new decaying wood. Because these processes take place inside decaying wood or underground, the details have remained unknown for a long time. However, recent studies have revealed chemical interactions between workers and between workers and their surrounding environment during the process by which workers discover new decaying wood, feed on it collectively, and exploit it as part of their nest. Furthermore, sophisticated chemical analyses are beginning to shed light on the enigmatic process by which the nutrients from the wood and soil consumed by workers are converted into special food for termite kings and queens. Here I summarize our current knowledge of termite attractants in wood, aggregation pheromones, and antimicrobial substances secreted by termite workers, and the pathways through which nutrients are supplied to termite kings and queens. I also highlight unresolved issues regarding termite foraging behavior and strategies for future studies.