Species-level systematics of some Kenyan termites of the genus Odontotermes (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) using mitochondrial DNA, morphology, and behaviour

The taxonomy of termites of the genus Odontotermes is poorly resolved. We used partial sequences from the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, combined with field and laboratory observations, to differentiate among populations of Odontotermes from four localities in Kenya. Three morphologically and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Insectes sociaux 2001-01, Vol.48 (2), p.138-143
Main Authors: DAVISON, D, DARLINGTON, J. P. E. C, COOK, C. E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Insecta
Invertebrates
Kenya
Odontotermes
Systematics. Geographical distribution
Termitidae
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Summary:The taxonomy of termites of the genus Odontotermes is poorly resolved. We used partial sequences from the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, combined with field and laboratory observations, to differentiate among populations of Odontotermes from four localities in Kenya. Three morphologically and behaviourally distinct forms from Kajiado (O. tanganicus (Sjoestedt), O. anceps (Sjoestedt) and O. zambesiensis (Sjoestedt)) have distinct mitochondrial haplotypes, confirming that these are separate biological species. In contrast, a form from Kasarani and Karen (O. stercorivorus (Sjoestedt)) shares almost identical mitochondrial haplotypes with the morphologically and behaviourally distinct O. montanus Harris at Embakasi. O. montanus at Embakasi and at Kinangop are fairly similar in behaviour, and at present are morphologically indistinguishable, but they have quite distinct mitochondrial haplotypes. We present a phylogeny of these mtDNA sequences and discuss it. We conclude that molecular sequence data provide a practical means of resolving ill-defined morphospecies in this genus.
ISSN:0020-1812
1420-9098
DOI:10.1007/PL00001756