Compositermes, Scheffrahn, Rudolf H., 2013

Scheffrahn, Rudolf H., 2013, Compositermes vindai (Isoptera: Termitidae: Apicotermitinae), a new genus and species of soldierless termite from the Neotropics, Zootaxa 3652 (3), pp. 381-391 : 382-384

Compositermes gen. nov.

Type-species: Compositermes vindai sp. nov.

Imago unknown.

Worker ( Figs. 3–6 ). Monomorphic. Fore tibia moderately inflated (ratio length/width 3.98). Ventral surfaces of fore tibiae with four or five thin longer spines. Mesenteron (M) and first proctodeal segment (P1) tubular with simple diagonal connection forming a very short or absent intervening mixed segment; M forming complete 360° loop. P1 “C” shaped, beginning with anterior connection to M and ending with posteriolateral connection to enteric valve (P2). Enteric valve seating (S) without lobes, yellowish, subtubular; S very long and wider than P2 except near P3 connection; curving anteriodorsally about 90° where it meets dorsal center of paunch (P3). Fourth proctodeal segment (P4) long; anterior loop partly surrounding dorsum of P3and paralleling M; posterior portion winding behind M to emerge ventrally and curving near S before joining rectum (P5). Enteric valve constriction in P2 formed by six slightly incongruent, egg-shaped cushions. Intersection of S and P3 embellished with 15–20 small pectinate paddles visible externally in situ under microscope when abdominal integument removed. Apical and marginal teeth of both mandibles sharply triangulate and well-defined from each other; dentition as in Fig. 6 .

Diagnosis. The enteric valve cushions, much enlarged and tubular enteric valve seating, and the sclerotized pectinate paddles at the S/P3 junction are unique among all termite workers.

Comparison. Compositermes n. gen. workers have a long P4 similar to that of Grigiotermes Mathews , but the enteric valve cushions of the latter have posterior pectinate pads and no seating. The mandibles of Compositermes are most similar to Ruptitermes Mathews but workers of the latter genus have short trilobed enteric valve seatings. Unlike Compositermes , neither genus has a ring of pectinate paddles at the S/P3 junction.

Etymology. From Latin “compositus” which means an aggregation; made up of parts. This refers to the 15 or more pectinate paddles that form a circular ring around the S/P3 junction.

Figures

FIGURE 3. Compositermes vindai (PA 1139) top to bottom: worker in dorsal, right, ventral, and left view. C = crop, M = mesenteron, P 1 = first proctodeal segment, P 2 = enteric valve, S = enteric valve seating, P 3 = third proctodeal segment or paunch, P 4 = forth proctodeal segment, and P 5 = fifth proctodeal segment or rectum. Abdominal integument removed and P 4 - P 5 extended out to expose S (S outline highlighted in left view). Approximate juncture of M and P 1 shown as black line in ventral view.

FIGURE 4. Top: dorsolateral view of Compositermes vindai (PA 1139) worker gut section from the posterior of P 1 to the anterior of P 3. Enteric valve seating filled with bacteria. Locations of enteric valve cushions (P 2) and pectinate paddles at the junction of S and P 3 are highlighted diagrammatically. Bottom: P 2 to S-P 3 (TT 618) section with musculature removed and emptied of food to show in situ arrangement of enteric valve cushions and pectinate paddles.

FIGURE 5. A. Worker enteric valve cushions of Compositermes vindai, overlapping lateral view (TT 618). B. Partial ring of pectinate S-P 3 paddles, muscle removed (PN 1064). This specimen has 18 paddles. C. Whole ring of S-P 3 paddles with muscle, view from P 3 lumen. This specimen has 20 paddles (TT 618). D. S-P 3 paddles showing granular surface, possibly adhering bacteria (PN 1064).

FIGURE 6. Left: dorsal view of Compositermes vindai worker mandibles (PA 247). Right: field habitus of C. vindai workers and nymph in gallery of Cornitermes sp. mound (PA 1139).