Comparing the diversity, geographic distribution, and intraspecific variation of subterranean termites (Reticulitermes : Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae) occuring in woodlands and urban environments of Missouri using morphology and 16s mtDNA

Subterranean termite species of the Neartic genus Reticulitermes are ecologically and economically important in the United States. At least six species of the genus Reticulitermes are native from North American forests where they feed on cellulose materials. In urban environments they may feed upon dead wood, and therefore infest and destroy man made wooden structures. Missouri is considered to have a moderate risk for termite infestations when compared with the states of the southeast part of the country. Despite their ecological and economical importance, Missouri’s subterranean termite faunal composition and geographical distribution in not well known, since some of the records are more than 50 years old and others provide conflicting information regarding occurrence and distribution of species. In addition, most of the current available data for Reticulitermes distribution in the United States is based on samples gathered from home infestations, but little is known about populations inhabiting more natural environments where native genotypes and phenotypes are expected to be found. To determine Reticulitermes species diversity within Missouri and to explore diversity and abundance of species among different habitats, I gathered approximately 600 samples of termite colonies across Missouri during 2004 and 2005 in nine conservation areas, nine cities located nearby, and from home infestations occurring in different locations within the state.