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Termites (Insecta, Blattodea, Termitoidae) are a widespread and diverse group of eusocial insects known for their ability to digest wood matter. Herein, we report the draft genome of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus, an economically important species and among the most studied taxa with respect to eusocial organization and mating system. The final assembly (~813 Mb) covered up to 88% of the estimated genome size and, in agreement with the Asexual Queen Succession Mating System, it was found completely homozygous. We predicted 16,349 highly supported gene models and 42% of repetitive DNA content. Transposable elements of R. lucifugus show similar evolutionary dynamics compared to that of other termites, with two main peaks of activity localized at 25% and 8% of Kimura divergence driven by DNA, LINE and SINE elements. Gene family turnover analyses identified multiple instances of gene duplication associated with R. lucifugus diversification, with significant lineage‐specific gene family expansions related to development, perception and nutrient metabolism pathways. Finally, we analysed P450 and odourant receptor gene repertoires in detail, highlighting the large diversity and dynamical evolutionary history of these proteins in the R. lucifugus genome. This newly assembled genome will provide a valuable resource for further understanding the molecular basis of termites biology as well as for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Phasmida genus Candovia comprises nine traditionally recognized species, all endemic to Australia. In this study, Candovia diversity is explored through molecular species-delimitation analyses using the COI Fol gene fragment and phylogenetic inferences leveraging seven additional mitochondrial and nuclear loci. Molecular results were integrated with morphological observations, leading us to confirm the already described species and to the delineation of several new taxa and of the new genus Paracandovia. New Candovia species from various parts of Queensland and New South Wales are described and illustrated (C. alata sp. nov. , C. byfieldensis sp. nov. , C. dalgleishae sp. nov. , C. eungellensis sp. nov. , C. karasi sp. nov. , C. koensi sp. nov. and C. wollumbinensis sp. nov.). New combinations are proposed and species removed from synonymy with the erection of the new genus Paracandovia (P. cercata stat. rev. , comb. nov. , P. longipes stat. rev. , comb. nov. , P. pallida comb. nov. , P. peridromes comb. nov. , P. tenera stat. rev. comb. nov.). Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the egg capitulum may have independently evolved multiple times throughout the evolutionary history of these insects. Furthermore, two newly described species represent the first taxa with fully developed wings in this previously considered apterous clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]