The Breeding Pattern and Population Genetic Structure of Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Population in Natural Woodland Habitats

Abstract

Microsatellite markers are suitable tools for assessing the population structure of eusocial species, especially those with a dynamic breeding system, such as the Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae). Therefore, this study applied seven microsatellite markers to infer the breeding pattern and population genetic structure of C. gestroi found in natural woodland habitats at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. The natural woodland habitat C. gestroi colonies show significant deviation from HWE (all p < 0.05). The uncovered genetic pattern suggested that the C. gestroi colonies presented a combined breeding pattern of mixed- and extended-family colonies with moderate genetic differentiation and elevated inbreeding. In particular, the breeding pattern of C. gestroi colonies was inferred to vary depending on the demographic variation and the age of the colony. Nevertheless, the results revealed comprehensive information on the C. gestroi population structure, habitat-specific to natural woodlands. Furthermore, future studies with exclusive datasets on the population structure of C. gestroi on marginal demography are necessary to enhance the management strategies of this pest species.