Why Termites Follow Ink
WouterTermites follow ink trails for a number of reasons. For one thing, these insects are partially blind. They are in the process of creating a home, and they need to follow a trail to reach their goal.
Another reason termites follow ink is that they are attracted to ink. The smell of ink can mimic the scent of pheromones, which are chemicals that attract other animals and insects. This helps them find their food source. The pheromones that are produced by termites are the scents that allow them to communicate with other insects.
Several types of ballpoint pens have been used to mimic the pheromone that termites use. Some pens have the chemical 2-phenoxyethanol, which is a volatile compound that can trigger the termite’s navigational pheromone receptors.
However, it is important to note that termites don’t follow ink trails made from felt tip markers, red ink, or black ink. They also don’t seem to be attracted to ink from rollerball pens.
The reason termites prefer blue ink is not completely clear. Researchers believe that blue ink contains a compound called 2-phenoxyethanol. This compound mimics the pheromone termites produce when they mark trails.
If you are interested in learning more about termite behavior, try using a blue ballpoint pen to study their behavior. You may even notice termites following your lines. You can also experiment with other types of writing instruments and see what results you get.
The best way to study termite behavior is to set up an experiment. You will need a paper and petri dish, and a couple of pens. You can then draw a line on a white sheet of paper. You should then record the results. You can then test your hypothesis.
