Characterization of crystalline structures of Syntermes wheeleri (Insecta: Isoptera: Termitidae)

Animal magnetism has always attracted the interest of science. Throughout the time, numerous studies that aimed to understanding this phenomenon have been made in various animal groups. Some research lines focus mainly on social insects, with a view to understand their relationship with the Earth's magnetic field. Through X-ray diffraction techniques this study which seeks to characterize crystal structures presented in Isoptera Syntermes wheeleri, species from Brasilia's Cerrado , known as the place where subjects with the largest body mass compared to the other species from this habitat. It is expected that after identifying crystal structures it might be possible, in future studies, to confirm if this isoptera's specie is actually sensitive to the Earth's magnetic field. (author)