Record of mimetism between mites and eggs of the neotropical termite Cornitermes cumulans (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract

Cornitermes cumulans (Isoptera: Termitidae) is a mound-building termite whose nests provide suitable conditions for the development of associated organisms. The present study describes the occurrence of the mite Caloglyphus sp. (Astigmata: Acaridae) associated with this termite species in laboratory colonies. Mite adults were found among the egg batch of C. cumulans and they showed the same shape and color of the termite eggs. This mimicry may represent an adaptation of this organism for survival in termite colonies, and egg-mimickingmites have not yet been recorded in any termite colony. Further studies will help to clarify the ecological aspects of this relationship.