Overview of the Morphology of Neotropical Termite Workers: History and Practice

Author(s)

Rocha, M. M. ^[1] ; Cuezzo, C. ^[1] ; Constantini, J. P. ^[1] ; Oliveira, D. E. ^[2] ; Santos, R. G. ^[1] ; Carrijo, T. F. ^[3] ; Cancello, E. M. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Museu Zool, Ave Nazare 481, BR-04263000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sul & Sudeste Para, Fac Biol, Maraba, PA - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Sociobiology; v. 66, n. 1, p. 1-32, MAR 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

This contribution deals with the worker caste of the Neotropical termite fauna. It is a compilation of present knowledge about the morphology of pseudergates and workers, including the literature discussing the origin and evolution of this caste, the terminology used in the different taxonomic groups, and the techniques used to study these individuals, especially examination of the gut, mandibles, legs, and nota. In order to assist in identifying workers, it includes a key for the families that occur in the Neotropical Region and a characterization of workers of all families, especially the subfamilies of Termitidae, with descriptions and illustrations of diagnostic morphological features of genera. We point out advances and gaps in knowledge, as well as directions for future research. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/11982-1 - Apicotermitinae (Termitidae) of Atlantic Rainforest sensu stricto
• Grantee: Joice Paulo Constantini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/20068-9 - Phylogeography of two neotropical termites (Isoptera) species with different life styles
• Grantee: Eliana Marques Cancello
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants