DNA sequence comparisons of the mitochondrial COII, 16S, and 12S rRNA genes were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among the six known US Reticulitermes species (Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes arenincola, Reticulitermes tibialis, Reticulitermes hageni, Reticulitermes virginicus, and Reticulitermes hesperus) and the closely related European species Reticulitermes santonensis. The...

A key was developed using morphological and behavioral characters to identify nine genera and 13 species of protists found in the hindgut of three Reticulitermes speciesÑ Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks), and Reticulitermes hageni BanksÑby using the online IDnature guides by Discover Life. There are seven characters and 13 taxa, each attached to species descri...

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) fore...

In total, 289 termite samples were collected from 45 counties in Indiana during 2002Ð 2004. Approximately 89% of the collection sites were associated with artiÞcial structures, and almost half of the samples were from inside homes. The rest of the samples were from forested areas. Termite samples were identiÞed based on their morphological characteristics, molecular characteristics, or both. Fi...

Mimicry has evolved in a wide range of organisms and encompasses diverse tactics for defence, foraging, pollination and social parasitism. Here, I report an extraordinary case of egg mimicry by a fungus, whereby the fungus gains competitor-free habitat in termite nests. Brown fungal balls, called 'termite balls', are frequently found in egg piles of Reticulitermes termites. Phylogenetic analysi...

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are valuable characters for the analysis of cryptic insect species with few discernible morphological characters. Yet, their use in insect systematics, specifically in subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), remains controversial. In this paper, we show that taxonomic designations in Reticulitermes from California (USA) sugges...

The taxonomic status of Reticulitermes Holmgren in North America has been in need of revision for years, but because of morphological ambiguity, traditional morphological identification of Reticulitermes species has always been difficult and unreliable. Analysis of termites, applying non-morphological genetic comparisons of mitochondrial DNA from numerous populations across North America, has i...

Reticulitermes nelsonae, a new species of Rhinotermitidae (Isoptera) is described based on specimens from Sapelo Island, GA, Thomasville, GA, Havelock, NC, and Branford, FL. Adult (alate) and soldier forms are described. Diagnostic characters are provided and incorporated into a supplemental couplet of a dichotomous key to the known species of Reticulitermes found in Georgia, USA.