Parvitermes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae) in Central America: Two new termite species and reassignment of Nasutitermes mexicanus.
The termite genus Parvitermes is now recognized on the Central American mainland to include Parvitermes mexicanus, new combination (previously in Nasutitermes) and two new species, Parvitermes mesoamericanus sp. n. and Parvitermes yucatanus sp. n., herein described from soldiers and workers. These three species, nine West Indian Parvitermes, and Antillitermes subtilis all share characteristic enteric valve spines that orientate against intestinal flow. All species are subterranean nesters and cellulose feeders. Evidence is mounting that generic-level endemicity may be completely absent among the West Indian nasutitermitine fauna and that its origins stem from Central America.
Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 3205 College Avenue, Davie, Florida, 33314, USA.
Rudolf H
RH
Scheffrahn
Neotropics; enteric valve armature; new combination; soldier key; taxonomy
Zootaxa. 2017 Jan 20;4221(5):zootaxa.4221.5.5
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