A revision of the Termes-Capritermes branch of the Termitinae in Australia (Isoptera : Termitidae)

Abstract

The Australian genera belonging to the Termes-Capritermes branch of the Termitinae are revised. Termes fatalis Linnaeus, the type species of Termes Linnaeus, is redescribed and a neotype soldier designated. Eight new genera and 27 new species are described, 18 species presently assigned to the genus Termes are transferred to other genera, Pericapritermes Silvestri is recorded from Australia for the first time. The phylogeny of the group is discussed and the general biology summarised. A key to the genera and species is given. The Australian genera and species are: Xylochomitermes, gen. nov., X. aspinosus, sp. nov., X. melvillensis (Hill), comb. nov., X. occidualis (Gay), comb. nov., X. punctillus, sp, nov., X. reductus (Gay), comb. nov., X. tomentosus (Gay), comb. nov.; Hesperotermes Gay, H. infrequens (Hill); Apsenterotermes, gen. nov., A. aspersus, sp. nov., A. declinatus, sp. nov., A. iridipennis (Gay), comb. nov., A. improcerus, sp. nov., A. stenopronos, sp. nov.; Ephelotermes, gen. nov., E. argutus (Hill), comb. nov., E. cheeli (Mjoberg), comb. nov., E. melachoma, sp. nov., E. paleatus sp. nov., E. persimilis (Gay), comb. nov., E. taylori (Hill), comb. nov.; Ekphysotermes Gay, E. jarmuranus (Hill), comb. nov., E. kalgoorliensis (Hill), E. ocellaris (Mjoberg), E. pelatus (Hill), E. percomis (Hill); Cristatitermes, gen. nov., C. arenicola, sp. nov., C. barretti, sp. nov., C. carinatus, sp. nov., C. froggatti (Hill), comb. nov., C. pineaformis, sp. nov., C. tutulatus, sp. nov.; Lophotermes, gen. nov., L. aduncus, sp. nov., L. brevicephalus, sp. nov., L. crinitus, sp. nov., L. leptognathus, sp. nov., L. parvicornis, sp. nov., L. pectinatus, sp. nov., L. pusillus, sp, nov., L. quadratus (Hill), comb. nov., L. septentrionalis (Hill), comb. nov.; Saxatilitermes, gen. nov., S. saxatilis, sp. nov.; Hapsidotermes, gen. nov., H. harrisi (Mjöberg), comb. nov., H. labellus, sp. nov., H. longius, sp. nov., H. maideni (Mjoberg), comb. nov., H. orbus (Hill), comb. nov.; Macrognathotermes, gen. nov., M. broomensis (Mjöberg), comb. nov., M. errator, sp. nov., M. prolatus, sp. nov., M. sunteri (Hill), comb. nov.; Paracapritermes Hill, P. kraepelinii (Silvestri), P. primus Hill, P. prolixus, sp. nov., P. secundus, sp. nov.; Protocapriterrnes Holmgren, P. krisiformis (Froggatt); Pericapritermes Silvestri, Pericapritermes sp.