Endocuticle is involved in caste differentiation of the lower termite

Abstract Caste differentiation in termites is one of the most conspicuous examples facultative polyphenism animals. It clear that specific cuticular formation occurs hard exocuticles during caste differentiation. However, developmental pattern soft endocuticle pathways castes unknown. To reveal whether involved differentiation, we compared exocuticle and thickness individuals 2 (nymph line worker line) termite Reticulitermes aculabialis. The protein genes were identified by transcriptome analysis expression patterns these confirmed We found structure showed dynamic changes pathways, first difference occurred after larvae bifurcated into workers nymphs. thinning was a significant event from nymphs developing alates with thickest thinnest endocuticle. layers heads ultrastructure more complex than thorax–abdomens. Six annotated as structural glycoproteins SgAbd-2, SgAbd-9, Abd-5. levels changed dramatically development neotenic reproductives (secondary reproductives) significantly higher those (primary reproductives). These results roles endocuticles adaptation to environment.