Muelleritermes: A new termite genus with two species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae)

Author(s)

Oliveira, Danilo E. ^[1] ; Rocha, Mauricio R. ^[2] ; Cancello, Eliana M. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Goias, UnUCET, BR-75132903 Anapolis, Go - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo MZUSP, Museu Zool, BR-04263000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Zootaxa; v. 4012, n. 2, p. 258-270, SEP 3 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

We present the description of Muelleritermes, new genus, and two new species: M. fritzi, sp. n. and M. globiceps, sp. n. Both species were found only in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. All castes are described and illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. These species seem to be closely related to the genera Velocitermes and Diversitermes, sharing traits such as the presence of three types of soldiers and workers and a short mixed segment. This genus differs from Velocitermes and Diversitermes in the presence of a few ommatids on soldier's head, behind the antennae. It also differs from Velocitermes in the lack of a constriction on the head of major soldiers, and from Diversitermes in the presence of short hairs on top of the soldier's head, instead of microscopic ones. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/00952-9 - Phylogeny of Syntermitinae subfamily (Isoptera, Termitidae) based on morphology and molecular data
• Grantee: Mauricio Martins da Rocha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 98/05083-0 - Richness and diversity of Hymenoptera and Isoptera along a latitudinal gradient in the Mata Atlântica - the eastern Brazilian rain forest
• Grantee: Carlos Roberto Ferreira Brandão
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants