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Ten years after its discovery, a survey of the exotic termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) (Isoptera: Termitidae) on Abaco Island, The Bahamas, revealed an infested area of about 40 ha. The age and spread of the Abaco infestation is remarkably similar to the introduced N. corniger population in Dania Beach, Florida. Survey evidence corroborated that both dispersal at the Abaco location and lack of genetic variation (from its subsequent spread) of this established population point to a single introduction event fostered through a maritime introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing taxonomic studies of Reticulitermes spp. (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) from California provide information on only two described species: Reticulitermes hesperus Banks and Reticulitermes tibialis Banks. However, while conducting a genetic evaluation of the genus from North America, we find evidence of species that cannot be identified morphologically with existing information. We also update more current information about other species detected during our investigations, including the positive identification of R. flavipes from California. Therefore, we have conducted a molecular genetics study involving DNA sequencing of a portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S gene to determine the extent of genetic variation within Reticulitermes from California. We analyzed 94 samples. Twenty-five nucleotide sites were variable in R. hesperus, and 19 mtDNA haplotypes were observed in the 428-bp mtDNA sequence. Fourteen haplotypes (37%) occurred only once, whereas the most common haplotypes, HE4 and HE9, each occurred in 18% of the samples. Although some haplotypes were found to have a broad geographical range across the state, some were restricted to the southern region, as were all samples identified as R. tibialis. Twelve haplotypes of an undescribed western species, R. n. sp. 'R. okanaganensis,' were found, and its distribution throughout the state is discussed. Additionally, genetic evidence of two additional undescribed Reticulitermes species from southern California is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecular genetics study involving DNA sequencing of a portion of the mitochondrial DNA 16S gene was undertaken to determine the extent of genetic variation within Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) in North America. This study was done because differences in morphological variants (of R. flavipes) would presumably translate into genetic differences, and there are no prior studies that describe its genetic variation from the extent of its North American range. In total, 493 samples were analyzed from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Nineteen nucleotide sites were variable in the 428-bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence, and 47 mtDNA haplotypes were observed. Nine haplotypes (19%) occurred only once, whereas the most common haplotype, F, occurred in 17% of the samples. Four haplotypes were found over a broad geographical range encompassing at least nine states each. The single haplotype found in Toronto, Canada, also occurs in Arkansas, whereas two of the three haplotypes found in Mexico are unique to that country. Based on this research, there seems to be numerous R. flavipes haplotypes that are widespread, perhaps due to human involvement. whereas other haplotypes may be more rare and could represent locally adapted populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By applying the 16S rRNA mitochondrial marker to 434 populations of Reticulitermes termites from North, Central, and South America; France; and Germany with other locations around the world that we have analyzed, identical DNA sequence data were obtained from Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) in North America and Germany and for Reticulitermes santonensis Feytaud from undisturbed (nonurban) forested locations in western France. We also discovered identical DNA sequence data from previously unidentified Reticulitermes specimens from South America and Easter Island. Haplotypes F, M, and GG were observed in France; haplotype F in Germany; and haplotype GG was found on Easter Island, Santiago, Chile, and Montevideo, Uruguay. All of these haplotypes are found in numerous states within the continental United States. In light of their well documented morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic relationships, coupled with this new data that directly link these disjunct groups, R. flavipes and R. santonensis should be synonymized. Compared with other studies that largely suggest phyletic similarities, this is the first study that specifically matches haplotypes from North America (where populations of R. flavipes are endemic) with populations in Europe (where R. flavipes, described as R. santonensis, is presumed exotic). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous molecular phylogenetic studies have focused on either the relationship between isopteran families or among species within a given genus, but there are presently few studies focusing on individual families and no known molecular studies for Rhinotermitidae. We examined 38 rhinotermitid species representing 10 genera, relative to representatives of four other isopteran families. Sequencing of a 667-base pair region of the mitochondria) DNA cytochrome oxidase II gene revealed 343 polymorphic sites within the family. Tajima-Nei genetic distances ranged from 11 to 23% among rhiotermitid genera. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis of DNA sequences support existing hypotheses that Mastotermitidae is the basal lineage among extant termites, and the family Rhinotermitidae is polyphyletic given the current familial status of Serritermitidae. DNA sequence data suggest that Serritermitidae should be relegated to the subfamily Serritermitinae, as proposed by Emerson in 1965. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phylogenetic analysis of Heterotermes from 63 locations in the West Indies and associated mainland is presented based on the DNA sequence of a portion of the mitochondria) 16S rRNA gene. Maximum parsimony analysis of the aligned Heterotermes species and the outgroup taxa resulted in a consensus tree with five distinct West Indian groups. Morphological characters and geographical distribution supported the resulting Glades, which were given the following taxonomic assignments: Heterotermes cardini (Bahamas and Cuba) ; Heterotermes sp. (Bonaire, FL; Grand Cayman; Grand Turk; Jamaica; and St. Barthelemy), Heterotermes convexinotatus (Antigua, Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Venezuela, and Virgin Island), and Heterotermes tenuis (Lesser Antilles except Barbados and Martinique, Ecuador, and Suriname). The Florida Heterotermes sp. is a known nonendemic population, whereas those on Barbados, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Martinique, St. Barthelemy, and elsewhere may harbor or consist solely of nonendemic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]