The hemolyrnph of each caste of the primitive dampwood termite Zootermopsis nevadensis (Isoptera, Termopsidae, Termopsinae) contains a high molecular mass lipoprotein which functions as a specific, high affinity carrier for juvenile hormone (JH) Ill, as detected by JH Ill-displaceable covalent modification by the tritium-labeled photoaffinity analog (
INTRODUCTIONJuvenile hormones are key control elements in the physiology of insect growth, development, reproduction, and caste control in social insects [1,2]. Luscher [3] underscored the fact that caste control in termites occurs as a result of changes in the JH* titers which are modulated by the environment. This role of JH and JH mimics has been demonstrated in a number of termite species, including lower termites, e.g., Knlotermes fluvicollis [4], &ticdifermesfiuvipes [5,6], and Zootermopsis nevudensis [7], and in the higher termites, e.g., Nnsutitermes exitiosus [S] and Macrotermes michaelseni 191.