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[Vol. 88 
suggest that alate-based reproductive strategies may also be impor- 
tant. Field studies of colony foundation by alate pairs are extremely 
difficult. We have accordingly chosen to investigate by laboratory 
studies the potential of alate based reproductive modes. We have 
examined incipient colony formation with males and females of the 
same species, males and females of different species, and pairs of 
conspecific females. Our results are reported here. 
Methods and Materials 
Termites 
Unflown alates were collected from fallen logs in the De Soto 
National Forest in southern Mississippi. R. flavipes alates were 
collected from mid-March to early April of 1968, 1969, and 1970 
(one source colony each year) and from mid-September to early 
October of 1967, 1968, and 1969 (one source colony each year). R. 
virginicus alates were collected in mid- April to mid-May of 1968, 
1969, and 1970 (one source colony each year). At least 500 
alates/ source colony were anesthetized with CO 2 (200 ml/ min), 
sexed, placed in separate petri dishes lined with moistened filter 
paper, and transferred to a dark incubator at 25 +1°C for less than 
one week. R. flavipes alates to be paired with R. virginicus alates 
were held in their source wood for up to 30 days in an incubator at 
15 +1°C until R. virginicus alates were available. All alates were 
allowed to lose their wings naturally before pairing. 
Pairing Procedures 
Each experimental unit consisted of an 8.3- X 12.7-cm piece of 
single strength window glass to which 2.5 mm X 1 cm strips of 
plexiglass had been glued to form a 6.3- X 8.9-cm rectangular cell 
(Howard, 1980). Washed and ovendried sand was placed in the 
upper third of the cell and moistened with deionized water. Two 2- 
X 4-cm X 1- to 2-mm weathered strips of southern pine were gently 
inserted about 1 cm apart into the border of the moistened sand. 
Termites were placed in the cell, the cell was closed by covering the 
opening with four 2.5- X 7.5-cm microscopic slides, and then the 
cell was sealed along the edges with hot paraffin. A small opening 
(about 1 mm) was left to allow for air exchange. 
Dealated termites were randomly selected, paired, and placed in 
an experimental unit. Each unit was examined daily during the first 
week and any termites caught in condensed moisture were freed. 
