Evaluation of DNA Fingerprinting, Aggression Tests, and Morphometry as Tools for Colony Delineation of the Formosan Subterranean Termite

Multilocus DNA fingerprinting, aggression tests, and morphometry were compared to evaluate their potential for the delineation of colonies of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera; Rhinotermitidae) in Hawaii. DNA fingerprinting segregates the termites from all collection sites and allows the assignment of all individuals to their original collection site. The genetic similarity of termites from different collection sites approaches the population's genetic background similarity, consequently collection sites represent independent colonies. Aggression between colonies is comparatively low and does not provide reliable colony delineation. Morphometry allows a 79% classification rate of termites to their colony of origin. No correlation among genetic similarities, aggression levels, and morphometric distances is found. Of the three investigated methods, we conclude that the genetic approach is the most useful tool for colony delineation in C. formosanus.