Gut structure of two species of the neotropical genus Tauritermes Krishna (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Abstract

Gut morphology of two species of the neotropical genus Tauritermes Krishna was analyzed. Detailed description of the coiling gut and the cuticular armature of the gizzard and first and second proctodeal segments of pseudergates are given. The characteristics of Tauritermes gut followed the pattern previously known for the family, but some differences among this genus and other Kalotermitidae genera were: the length of the midgut, the structure and cuticular ornamentation of the first and second proctodeal segments, the junction of the third and fourth proctodeal segments and the armature of the rectal valve. Tauritermes was differentiated from other Kalotermitidae genera by means of the gut characters, currently used in termite systematics and phylogeny.