Abstract: 【Aim】 This study aims to investigate the effect of phenol and its derivatives on the trail-following behavior of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, and screen compounds that have the trail-following activity for C. formosanus, so as to provide new insights for developing termite attractants. 【Methods】 A Y-shaped path was drawn on qualitative filter paper, with the stem and one branch drawn with varying concentrations of phenol or 12 phenol derivatives, while the other branch was drawn with chemical-free acetone. The trail-following distance of C. formosanus workers and soldiers in response to each compound was measured and the tail-following behaviors of workers and soldiers were compared. 【Results】 Eight compounds, including phenol (0.05, 0.5 and 5 μg/cm), p-chlorophenol (0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5 and 50 μg/cm), phenyl benzoate (0.0005, 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5 and 50 μg/cm), phenyl acetate (0.5, 5 and 50 μg/cm), 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde (0.5, 5 and 50 μg/cm), 2-phenylethyl methyl ether (5 and 50 μg/cm), ethyl phenyl ether (50 μg/cm), and 2-fluorophenol (0.5 and 5 μg/cm), showed the trail-following activities for C. formosanus workers (mean tail-following distance ≥3.0 cm). In addition, no significant differences were observed in the trailfollowing distance between worker and soldier termites along paths drawn with phenol (0.5 μg/cm), chlorophenol (0.05 μg/cm), or phenyl benzoate (0.5 μg/cm), and worker and soldier termites showed similar trail-following behaviors. 【Conclusion】 Phenol and multiple phenol derivatives have trail-following activities for C. formosanus. These compounds have different chemical structures from previously reported trail-following chemicals in termites, and have the potential to be used as termite attractants.

Key words: Coptotermes formosanus, trail-following activity, phenol, phenol derivatives, termite bait