Semiochemicals termite

Chemicals that carry signals from one organism to another are known as semiochemicals. These can be grouped into two main classes. If the signal is between two members of the same species, the messenger is called a pheromone. Pheromones carry different types of information. Not all species use pheromones. In those which do, some may use only one or two pheromones while others, in particular the social insects such as bees, ants and termites, use an array of chemical signals to organise most aspects of their lives. 

In termites intracolony, intraindividual and intraspecific variation may be provided by the secretions of the soldiers. The multiple functions of these semiochemicals in defense, recognition and reproductive isolation is an unusual means of chemical communication and will be discussed later. 

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