Phylogeography of Nasutitermes ephratae (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) in Neotropical region
Abstract The neotropical region ranks third in the number of termites with five different families. Of these, Termitidae is the most diverse and includes the species Nasutitermes ephratae and is common in the neotropics. To date, only one study has been published about phylogeographic issues in neotropical termites (N. corniger). Here, we aimed to investigate and analyze the population genetic patterns of N. ephratae and then evaluated the phylogeographical processes involved in the evolutionary history of the species. We used the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COII as molecular markers: These were sequenced for 128 samples of N. ephratae. We estimated the genetic diversity and divergence time as well as the demographic and genetic structure analyses. We also produced ancestral area reconstruction and a haplotype network. The results showed high genetic variability, recent demographic expansion, and strong genetic structure. We also inferred a dispersal route for the species that occurred in both directions between South and Central America. The results emphasize a temporary separation between the South and Central America population that affected the origin of the current Central America populations. These were formed form different phylogeographic histories.