Origin and evolution of the Italian subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus (Blattodea, Termitoidae,
A Luchetti1, V Scicchitano, B Mantovani
1Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali - Università di Bologna, via Selmi 3-40126 Bologna, Italy.
Bulletin of Entomological Research
|July 26, 2013
Summary
Investigating Italian Reticulitermes lucifugus termites using mitochondrial DNA reveals distinct evolutionary paths. The Sardo-Corsican subspecies is closer to Iberian species, while peninsular populations show significant genetic structuring.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Zoology
Background:
- The Holarctic genus Reticulitermes includes seven species in the Mediterranean Basin.
- Continental-level phylogeny and systematics of Reticulitermes are well-studied, but local range investigations are limited.
- Understanding the diversity and evolution of Italian Reticulitermes lucifugus is crucial for regional ecological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of Reticulitermes lucifugus in Italy.
- To analyze the phylogenetic relationships between Italian and Iberian Reticulitermes taxa.
- To investigate the biogeographical origins and diversification patterns of Italian termite populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (COII) gene marker from newly collected colonies across Italy.
- Inclusion of all publicly available R. lucifugus COII sequences and related Iberian taxa sequences.
- Application of phylogenetic methods including maximum-likelihood, median-joining, and statistical parsimony network analyses on 119 colonies.
Main Results:
- The Sardo-Corsican subspecies (R. lucifugus corsicus), including Sicilian populations, is phylogenetically closer to the Iberian Reticulitermes grassei.
- Peninsular R. lucifugus lucifugus populations are structured into three distinct genetic clusters.
- Phylogenetic and biogeographical data suggest colonization via the Sardo-Corsican microplate during the Oligocene-Miocene, followed by northward expansion.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the evolutionary pathways of Italian Reticulitermes taxa, highlighting distinct lineages and historical biogeographical events.
- Genetic diversity within R. lucifugus appears to be shaped by both ancient colonization events and subsequent range expansions.
- Emphasizes the importance of broad taxon sampling in evolutionary studies, particularly for species with high dispersal capabilities, like termites.
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