Genetic relationship between Coptotermes heimi and Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann) is a destructive subterranean termite species commonly found on the Indian subcontinent. Using partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes rRNA small subunit 12S, rRNA large subunit 16S and cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (COII), together with morphometric measurements, we determined the relationship between C. heimi and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann). Gene sequences obtained from 13 populations of C. heimi from Pakistan and one population of C. gestroi from Malaysia, along with other sequences of C. heimi, C. gestroi, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and other Coptotermes spp. from GenBank, were used in the analysis. Seventeen morphometric measurements of C. gestroi and C. heimi revealed numerous overlaps. The morphological analysis using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) failed to differentiate C. heimi from C. gestroi. Individuals from both species were clustered together in the scatter plots. Phylogenetic analysis of 12S, 16S, and COII gene sequences suggested that both species are likely conspecific. Based on the molecular phylogenetics and morphometric data, we propose that C. heimi is a junior synonym of C. gestroi.