A genetic study of eastern subterranean termite populations in Wisconsin using amplified fragment length polymorphism

The history of termites in Wisconsin has been relatively brief compared to the more southern United States with Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) as the only species known to be established in the state. Most introductions of R. flavipes are thought to have originated from relocated infested wood material, with many likely from imported railroad ties. A current survey of known populations overlaid on a map of all major Wisconsin rail lines supports this association. These termites are not able to disperse by means of winged reproductives, but instead colonies grow through “budding” with production of secondary, wingless reproductives creating large areas of isolated colonies. This study used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) to detect genetic differences among individuals in a termite population as well as among populations in an effort to better understand the magnitude of genetic variation and structure of R. flavipes in Wisconsin. To evaluate population differences we examined genetic variation in termites sampled from 10 widely distributed colonies with population defined as a geographically isolated group of colonies. The objectives of this study are to a) evaluate whether the origins and dispersal of termites in Wisconsin are linked to rail lines, and b) provide a baseline genetic reference for subsequent dispersal of termite colonies, including potential dispersal by alate formation that is postulated to be facilitated by anticipated climate change.