Unlocking the mechanisms of vibro-acoustic communication in termites

我们对白蚁如何利用微振动进行交流的了解是有限的，因为在亚毫米尺度的基质中这些复杂振动的产生、传输和检测是未知的。我们的目标是开发一个经过充分验证的振动-声学白蚁交流模型，该模型将用于西南地区，以展示它们同步和模拟集体行为的能力。这将通过结合新颖的声悬浮、微系统分析和电生理学来确定白蚁附属物的物理特性、感觉和行为阈值，并通过考虑波在木材中的传播特性、白蚁脚部的摩擦粘连、下颌切割和士兵警报击鼓来实现。

Our understanding of how termites use microvibrations to communicate is limited, as the generation, transmission and detection of these complex vibrations in substrates at the submillimetre scale are unknown. We aim to develop a fully validated vibro-acoustic termite communication model which will be used in Swårmalätørs to demonstrate their ability to synchronise and mimic collective behaviour. This will be achieved by combining novel acoustic levitation, microsystem analyses and electrophysiology to determine physical properties of termite appendages, sensory and behavioural thresholds; and by considering wave transmission characteristics in wood, friction-adhesion at the termite feet, mandible cutting and soldier alarm drumming.