The purpose of this research was to use multi-locus DNA markers to evaluate the genetic variation and gene flow of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Norcross, Georgia, which is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Previous research from this lab using maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA sequence revealed that only one matrilineal line linked to New Orleans, Louisiana was represented from four, well-spaced metropolitan Atlanta sites. This surprising lack of maternal variation in the C. formosanus in Atlanta could be the result of a maternal kin-biased peripheral group within a New Orleans meta-colony being splintered off and transported to Atlanta. Overall genetic variation in termites is a function of two parents, and gene flow can be more accurately evaluated using diploid markers. Individual C. formosanus workers were, therefore, collected from the Norcross site and DNA fingerprints and mtDNA lineage determined for each. Genetic variation and gene flow data suggest that there may be active colony partitioning. These results are discussed in light of the implications for Formosan termite growth and adaptation to the Atlanta area.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan Subterranean Termite)
Keywords: AFLP
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