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Genetic Analysis of Termite Colonies in Wisconsin
R A Arango1, D A Marschalek2, F Green3
1USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726. Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706. rarango@fs.fed.us.
Environmental Entomology
|August 28, 2015
Summary
Two subterranean termite species, Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes tibialis, were identified in Wisconsin. Their genetic analysis suggests multiple introductions, impacting colony establishment at the northern range edge.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Population Genetics
- Ecology
Background:
- Subterranean termites pose significant pest challenges.
- Understanding termite distribution and genetic diversity is crucial for effective management.
- Wisconsin represents a northern, peripheral boundary for several termite species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map current subterranean termite activity in Wisconsin.
- To genetically characterize northern termite colonies.
- To assess genetic variation and population structure of these peripheral colonies.
Main Methods:
- Amplified Fragment-Length Polymorphism (AFLP) was employed for genetic analysis.
- Characterized inbreeding levels, expected heterozygosity, and percent polymorphism within colonies.
- Assessed genetic structure among sampled populations.
Main Results:
- Identified two termite species in Wisconsin: Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes tibialis.
- Colonies exhibited moderate to high genetic variation (52.9-63.9% polymorphic loci, 0.122-0.189 expected heterozygosity).
- Strong intercolony genetic differentiation was observed (FST > 0.25), with low inbreeding (FIS 0.042-0.123).
Conclusions:
- Wisconsin termite populations likely result from multiple introductions, possibly anthropogenic.
- Genetic characteristics suggest adaptation challenges for colony establishment at the northern range limit.
- Findings provide insights into the population dynamics of termites at the edge of their distribution.
