Termite males enhance mating encounters by changing speed according to density

Search theory predicts that animals evolve efficient movement patterns to enhance encounter rates with specific targets. The optimal movements vary with the surrounding environments, which may explain the observation that animals often switch their movement patterns depending on conditions. However, the effectiveness of behavioral change during search is rarely evaluated because it is difficult to examine the actual encounter dynamics.
Here we studied how partner-seeking termites update their search strategies depending on the local densities of potential mates. After a dispersal flight, termites drop their wings and walk to search for a mate; when a female and a male meet, they form a female-led tandem pair and search for a favorable nesting site. If a pair is separated, they have two search options: reunite with their stray partner, or seek a new partner. We hypothesized that the density of individuals affects separation-reunion dynamics and thus the optimal search strategy.
We...