Nasute

Definition

Pertaining to or possessing a nasus—a protruding, snout-like fontanellar process on the head of certain termite soldiers, typically in the subfamily Nasutitermitinae, from which defensive chemicals are ejected. The nasus replaces or accompanies vestigial mandibles in these highly derived soldiers.

Etymology

From Latin nasus, 'nose' or 'snout', referring to the anterior head projection.

Example

Soldiers of Nasutitermes exitans are nasute, bearing an elongated conical nasus that can accurately squirt sticky, irritating secretions at predators several centimeters away.

Synonyms

• nasiform
• rostrate (in this context)

Related Terms

• nasus
• fontanellar process
• Nasutitermitinae
• soldier caste
• chemical defense
• Mandible
• termite
• Isoptera
• exocrine secretion

Usage Notes

Strictly morphological; contrasts with mandibulate soldiers that retain functional jaws for biting. The nasus is not a true rostrum (as in weevils) but a modified glandular opening. In termite literature, 'nasute' is sometimes used nominally ('the nasutes') to refer to soldiers collectively, though this is informal. Do not confuse with unrelated taxonomic names (e.g., Nasutes Hampson, a pyralid moth genus).