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

Abstract

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.