Allozymic relationships among cuticular hydrocarbon phenotypes of Zootermopsis species (Isoptera: Termopsidae)

Genetic relationships among and within three species of Zootermopsis were examined using protein electrophoresis. Results were compared with four cuticular hydrocarbon phenotypes: Z. angusticollis (Hagen), Z. laticeps (Banks), Z. nevadensis nevadensis (Hagen), and Z. nevadensis nuttingi Haverty and Thorne. Allozyme data supported the position of Z. angusticollis, Z. laticeps , and Z. nevadensis as separate species and were consistent with cuticular hydrocarbon groupings. However, the two subspecies or cuticular hydrocarbon groupings within Z. nevadensis were not genetically distinct. If these subspecies are not interbreeding, divergence has been recent because genetic differentiation has not occurred. Further studies are required to determine the basis for the inconsistency between cuticular hydrocarbon patterns and allozymes within the Z. nevadensis complex.