Morphological, molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of termites from western Ghats of Karnataka, India

Highlights

• Twelve species of termites were identified in Western Ghats of Karnataka and found that Termitidae was dominant family.

• Soldier caste was used in the identification of termites.

• Mitochondrial 16S rRNA marker helps in termite identification.

• The morphological identification is consistent with the molecular findings.

• Bayesian method used to construct phylogenetic tree of identified termite species.

Abstract

Western Ghats of Karnataka, an important biodiversity hot spot in the world, rich in insect fauna including termites. Diversity of termites from this region poorly understood. In the present study, we have redescribed 12 species and termites belonging to two families viz., Rhinotermitidae and termitidae based on morphological and molecular differences employing mitochondrial 16s rRNA. Further we have employed Bayesian inference in order to understand phylogenetic relationships among different termite species studied. The integrative taxonomic approach was successful in delimiting the species studied in the present investigation.

Introduction

A large proportion of biological diversity remains undescribed within the present system of species classification (Brown and Lomolino, 1998, Wilson, 2003). Among insects, social insects are the world's most successful species invading new habitats (Pardeshi and Prusty, 2010). In this regard, termites have a fascinating life cycle and are important in the sustenance of the ecosystem. Termites play a vital role in maintaining physical and chemical makeup of land through the breakdown and fixation of carbon and nitrogen through various activities such as building of mounds, tunnels and runways (Brussaard, 1997, Jones et al., 1994, Jouquet et al., 2006, Jouquet et al., 2011). However, they are also one of the major agricultural and household pest. In India corers of rupees is lost annually loss due to termite infestation of agriculturally important crops like sugarcane, ground nut, rice etc. (Chhotani, 1981, Kumar and Pardeshi, 2011) and also huge damage to trees, wooden structures, earthen dams, underground electrical cables, wooden buildings, wooden furnishings and items made of paper (Pearce, 1999).

In this regard, species diagnosis of termites is challenging as the length and curvature of the mandibles of the soldier caste is often overlapping and is further complicated by the cryptic behaviour and natural nesting habitat (Ahmed et al., 2011). At this juncture an integrative approach employing morphological and molecular method is a viable one (Blaxter and Floyd, 2003, Tautz et al., 2003, DeSalle et al., 2005). In the present study we have identified termite species in the Western Ghats regions of Karnataka using both morphological and molecular approaches.