Phylogenetic relationships among subfamilies in higher termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) based on mitochondrial COII gene sequences

Abstract

Among the 7 families of Isoptera, higher termites (family Termitidae) have acquired the most complex social systems and widest diversity of feeding habits in the course of adaptive radiation. Termitidae is composed of 4 subfamilies (Apicotermitinae, Macrotermitinae, Nasutitermitinae, and Termitinae); however, the phylogenetic relationships among subfamilies remains ambiguous. To test the monophyly of this family and the relationship among the 4 subfamilies, we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (COII) gene in 15 terminte genera of Termitidae and closely related Rhinotermitidae. DNA sequences and translated protein sequences were analyzed using parsimony and the neighbor-joining method. All the resulting trees gave robust support for the monophyly of Termitidae, and overall the relationship of Nacrotermitinae + (Apicotermitinae + [Termitinae + Nasutitermitinae]) was supported, which is consistent with previous studies based on morphology.