This study investigates the phenomenon of task specialization in subterranean termites, focusing on their tunneling behavior. Termites, known for their complex social structure, allocate specific individuals for tunnel construction, rarely switching tasks. To explore this behavior, we developed a simulation model comparing termite groups with and without task shifts. While tunnel orientation showed no significant difference between the two tunnel pattern groups, the absence of task shifts resulted in larger tunnels, indicating enhanced foraging efficiency. This suggests that maintaining a consistent division of labor without task rotation benefits termite foraging. This study sheds light on the ecological advantages of task specialization in social insects, highlighting its role in foraging success and colony survival.

From an evolutionary perspective, it is speculated that termites have evolved to construct tunnels in a manner that optimizes search and transport efficiency. While numerous studies have focused on search efficiency, there has been limited research on transport efficiency due to the challenges associated with direct field observations. To address this challenge, we developed an individual-based model to simulate the transport process. Using the model, we examine the effects of several key variables on transport efficiency, Based on our results, we discuss potential strategies that termites might employ to optimize transport efficiency. In addition, we briefly discuss ways to improve the realism of the model.