Oceanic dispersal, vicariance and human introduction shaped the modern distribution of the termitesReticulitermes,HeterotermesandCoptotermes

Abstract

Reticulitermes, Heterotermes and Coptotermes form a small termite clade with partly overlapping distributions. Although native species occur across all continents, the factors influencing their distribution are poorly known. Here, we reconstructed the historical biogeography of these termites using mitochondrial genomes of species collected on six continents. Our analyses showed that Reticulitermes split from Heterotermes þ Coptotermes at 59.5 Ma (49.9 -69.5 Ma 95% CI), yet the oldest split within Reticulitermes (Eurasia and North America) is 16.1 Ma (13.4 -19.5 Ma) and the oldest split within Heterotermes þ Coptotermes is 36.0 Ma (33.9 -40.5 Ma). We detected 14 disjunctions between biogeographical realms, all of which occurred within the last 34 Ma, not only after the break-up of Pangaea, but also with the continents in similar to current positions. Land dispersal over land bridges explained four disjunctions, oceanic dispersal by wood rafting explained eight disjunctions, and human introduction was the source of two recent disjunctions. These wood-eating termites, therefore, appear to have acquired their modern worldwide distribution through multiple dispersal processes, with oceanic dispersal and human introduction favoured by the ecological traits of nesting in wood and producing replacement reproductives.

New Species of Spirotrichonympha from Reticulitermes and the Relationships Among Genera in Spirotrichonymphea (Parabasalia)

“…This is a difficult hypothesis to test, given that the split between Reticulitermes and the Heterotermes/Coptotermes clade is estimated to have occurred 60 million years ago (Bourguignon et al. ). It is also difficult to reconcile with the distinct historical biogeographies of the hosts (Bourguignon et al.…”

Roisinitermes ebogoensis gen. & sp. n., an outstanding drywood termite with snapping soldiers from Cameroon (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)

“…The full mitochondrial genome was amplified with TaKaRa LA Taq in two long PCR reactions using primers specifically designed for termites (Bourguignon et al 2016). Long PCR fragments were pooled in equimolar concentration, and 75-bp paired-end reads were obtained using Illumina MiSeq.…”

Cryptotermes colombianus a new drywood termite and distribution record of Cryptotermes in Colombia

“…Bourguignon et al (2014) proposed that Kalotermitidae evolved at the cusp of Gondwana dissolution with Cryptotermes originating after the separation of land masses. The current distribution of Cryptotermes species can be explained with transoceanic dispersal via drift wood (Scheffrahn et al 2009, Bourguignon et al 2016) and more recently through human introductions during colonization and trade (Li et al 2009, Scheffrahn et al 2009, Evans 2011). The geographic pattern on the phylogeny with regional specific clades may also indicative for some continent specific radiations.…”