A matrix format identification key to the Reticulitermes spp. (Isoptera) of Georgia, US

Subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes are difficult to identify to species in the southeastern United States because published dichotomous keys need revision to accommodate newly available diagnostic data and two new taxa, one newly described species and one currently undescribed species. Using a multidisciplinary approach to taxonomy, we combine information from anatomy, morphometric measurements, alate flight phenology, and sequence data from mtDNA and nuclear DNA to build a matrix format key. The resulting key is more current, powerful, and flexible than previously available keys for Reticulitermes and should prove to be a valuable tool for termite researchers.