Morphological and Molecular Identification of Fungus-growing Termites (Isoptera, Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) in Thailand

Fungus-growing termites (FGTs) play ecologically important roles as both decomposers and producers of termite mushrooms. However, they are difficult to research due to a lack of an updated identification key and the inability to locate type specimens. Molecular identification may be helpful, but thi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inZoological Studies Vol. 63; pp. 1 - 14
Main Authors Suksawat Ponpinij, Sasitorn Hasin, Tharnrat Kaewgrajang, Itsarapong Voraphab, Mingkwan Nipitwattanaphon
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 中央研究院生物多樣性研究中心 27.12.2024
Subjects
COII
Odontotermes
COI
Morphology
Diversity
DNA barcoding
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ISSN1021-5506
DOI10.6620/ZS.2024.63-52

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Summary:Fungus-growing termites (FGTs) play ecologically important roles as both decomposers and producers of termite mushrooms. However, they are difficult to research due to a lack of an updated identification key and the inability to locate type specimens. Molecular identification may be helpful, but this requires database information that is lacking for many species found in Thailand. In addition, some researchers use the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as a barcoding gene, but others use cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII). Thus, we offer detailed descriptions of nine FGT species commonly found in Thailand, together with the DNA sequences of both the COI and COII genes. The descriptions include those of both major and minor soldiers. The DNA sequences of the two genes confirm the morphological identifications. Our data will aid future FGT identification and facilitate research on the biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable use of FGTs and termite mushrooms.
ISSN:1021-5506
DOI:10.6620/ZS.2024.63-52