Soldier phenotypic differences among 2 invasive and destructive Coptotermes species and their hybrids (Blattodea: Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

ABSTRACT: With recent evidence of hybridization events in the field, the phenotypic traits of F1 hybrid colonies of 2 destructive subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) remain to be investigated. In this study, laboratory colonies of 2 conspecific pairings and 2 heterospecific pairings (hybrid F = ♀C. formosanus × ♂C. gestroi, hybrid G = ♀C. gestroi × ♂C. formosanus) were examined in Florida, USA, and in Taiwan. Colony nest architecture for both hybrids displayed disorganized carton materials compared to the defined trabecular carton of both parental species. Soldier head measurements were not a reliable approach for diagnostic purposes, as soldier morphometric traits widely overlapped across all mating combinations, except for hybrid F soldier

SUBMITTER: Patel JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10640870 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature