Abstract
The subterranean termite, Reticulitermes lucifugus (Rossi), is found throughout Italy. The purpose of this study was to assess variations among colonies collected from the north to south of Italy. A multidisciplinary approach was used including behavioral tests, cuticular hydrocarbon analysis and partial sequencing of mitochondrial DNA. Results showed that Italian R. lucifugus populations were moderately aggressive and that aggressive behavior was unrelated to intercolonial geographic distance. Analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons demonstrated no qualitative variations between colonies, but quantitative differences were found according to caste and colony. Alkene content tended to decrease from north to south. Sequencing of mtDNA indicated kinship between two Tuscan populations and R. l. corsicus. This finding is suggestive of transtyrrenian distribution of the Corsican subspecies. Moreover, distance between haplotypes appears to be associated with intercolonial geographic distance.
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