Ruptitermes reconditus ( Silvestri 1901 )

Acioli, Agno Nonato Serrão & Constantino, Reginaldo, 2015, A taxonomic revision of the neotropical termite genus Ruptitermes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Apicotermitinae), Zootaxa 4032 (5), pp. 451-492 : 476-480

Ruptitermes reconditus ( Silvestri 1901)

Anoplotermes reconditus Silvestri 1901: 8 (imago); Silvestri 1903: 101, 142 (imago, worker, text-fig. 34, plate-figs. 228–230). Termes (Eutermes) reconditus ; Desneux 1904: 44 (new combination)

Anoplotermes (Speculitermes) reconditus ; Holmgren 1912: 74 (new combination)

Speculitermes reconditus ; Snyder 1949: 110 (catalog; new combination)

Ruptitermes reconditus ; Mathews 1977: 100, 102 (new combination); Krishna et al. 2013 (catalog) Speculitermes proratus Emerson in Snyder 1949: 110, new synonym

Ruptitermes proratus ; Mathews 1977: 100 –101 (new combination); Krishna et al. 2013: 1408 –1409 (catalog, synonymy).

Imago ( Fig. 17 ). Head capsule reddish brown, paler anteriorly, with many long bristles and densely covered with short hairs, about 1/5 of the length of bristles. Eyes rounded, relatively small. Fontanelle elliptical, small and white. Ocelli midsize, distant from eyes. Frontal marks rounded, small and faint. Postclypeus flattened, light brown, much paler than head capsule; with many bristles and dense short hairs. Antenna light brown, paler than postclypeus. Mandibles similar to those of R. xanthochiton . Pronotum about the same width as head capsule (without eyes); anterior margin concave; lateral margins slightly convex, converging posteriorly; light brown, paler than head capsule and darker than postclypeus, without pale spots on midline; with many bristles and dense short hairs.

Scutum and scutellum light brown, about the same color as pronotum; lateral margins of scutellum white. Pleural sclerites and coxae light brown; femur and tibia brownish yellow. Tergites light brown, paler than pronotum; sternites paler than tergites. Measurements in Table 1 .

Worker ( Figs 18 , 19 , 22 L, 23A–E, 25G–H). Head capsule large and rounded, reddish brown, paler anteriorly, with about 20 long, thin and straight bristles. Postclypeus moderately inflated to strongly inflated, light brown, usually with one long bristle near the middle of each lobe, sometimes with a second one; anterior margin with two long bristles. Fontanelle small, elliptical, paler than head capsule; not depressed or elevated. Frontal marks rounded, a little lighter than posterior region of head capsule. Mandibles similar to those of R. xanthochiton , except that proximal margin of molar prominence is indented or concave. Thoracic nota light brown, paler than head capsule, with bristles on margins only. Procoxae with 5–6 spine-like bristles on anterior surface, arranged along a curved line ( Fig. 18 C). Meso- and metacoxae without spine-like bristles. Profemur with two rows of long, thin and straight bristles on proximal half. Protibia not inflated, with two irregular rows of spine-like bristles along inner margin ( Fig. 18 B). Tergites light brown, same color as thoracic nota, with a row of long bristles on posterior margin and sparse hairs of variable size on surface. Dehiscent glands large, filling up to 1/5 of the abdomen. Enteric valve unsclerotized; ridges short, weakly and irregularly reticulated with pentagonal or hexagonal cells; cells are larger near margins and become smaller towards middle ( Fig. 25 G–H). Measurements in Table 2 .

Comparisons. The worker of R. reconditus can be recognized by the small and elliptical fontanelle, dark head, thorax and tergites, and the small number of bristles on head capsule. The molar prominence is usually divided by a conspicuous indentation, but it may also be concave and the indentation tends to disappear in worn mandibles.

Remarks. The name “ Speculitermes proratus ” became available in Snyder's (1949) catalog without any description, only with the indication of Holmgren's (1906: 607–608) description of “ Anoplotermes reconditus Silvestrii ”. The characters used to differentiate R. proratus from R. reconditus were not mentioned. The name “ proratus ” is probably derived from the Greek word “prora”, bow, combined with the Latin suffix “-atus”, meaning “arched”. This may to refer to the arched postclypeus, which is a little more prominent in Holmgren's specimens than in Silvestri's types. Both the holotype queen and the paratype workers of R. proratus fit well within the variation of R. reconditus . The paratype workers have the small elliptical fontanelle typical of R. reconditus and identical spine-like bristles on the procoxae.

Distribution. This is the most common and widespread species of the genus, occurring in a large portion of South America ( Fig. 29 ). It is particularly abundant in the Cerrado region and is often found in disturbed habitats and urban areas.

Type-material examined: BRAZIL: Mato Grosso: “Coxipó” (Cuiabá), ix.1900, F. Silvestri col., syntypes of Anoplotermes reconditus , imagoes and workers (AMNH). BOLIVIA: La Paz: Mojos, 1904, N. Holmgren col., holotype queen and paratype workers of Speculitermes proratus (AMNH, NHRS).

Other material examined: ARGENTINA: Chaco: Parque Nacional del Chaco, 06.v.1997, Laffont, Arbino & Coronel col., workers (FACENAC-1011). Corrientes: Estancia El Carmen, 18.v.1990, Godoy & Arbino col., workers (FACENAC-314). Mburucuyá, 08.x.1987, G.J. Torales col., workers (LRFC-970). 25.iii.1988, G.J. Torales col., workers, imagoes (LRFC-972). Villa Olivari, 21.xii.1992, M.C. Godoy col., workers (FACENAC-615). Jujuy: Siete Aguas, 15.xii.1981, L.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-1425). Misiones: Bonpland, 04.xii.1995, Laffont & Coronel col., workers (FACENAC-1155). Salta: Urundel, 11.xii.1981, L.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-1416, LRFC-1417). BRAZIL: Alagoas: Quebrangulo, 20.vi.2000, A. Vasconcellos col., workers (MZSP-11306). Bahia: Ilhéus, 05.xi.2000, C. Bordereau & E.M.C. col., workers (MZSP-11485). 08.iii.1997, L.R. Fontes & P.S. Terra col., workers (LRFC-1807, LRFC-1813). Itambé, 05.ii.2004, Y.T. Reis col., workers (MZSP-12053). Mucugê, 09.xii.1990, E.M. Cancello col., workers (MZSP-12045). Palmeiras, 10.ix.2011, E.A. Alves col., workers (UnB- 8869). Ceará: Aiuaba, 15.x.2004, A. Vasconcellos col., workers (UnB-6739, 6740). Baturité, Serra de Baturité, 18.xii.1976, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-9887). Distrito Federal: Brasília, xii.1971, K. Kitayama col., workers (MZSP-7064). 03.v.1999, E.C. Dianese col., workers (UnB-2184, 2185, 2186). 08.ii.1999, E.C. Dianese col., workers (UnB-2162). 09.iv.1999, E.C. Dianese col., workers (UnB-2178). 23.v.1999, E.C. Dianese col., workers (UnB-2190, 2191). 26.iv.1999, E.C. Dianese col., workers (UnB-2182). 28.i.1999, E.C. Dianese col., workers (UnB-2165). Brasília, Fazenda Água Limpa, 01.x.2010, MCGR col., workers (UnB-9891). 08.iv.1995, Carlos col., workers (UnB-1035). 12.xii.1992, Marcelo Lima col., workers (UnB-1032). 14.xi.1992, Marcelo Lima col., workers (UnB-1030). 15.xi.1992, Marcelo Lima col., workers (UnB-1034). 17.xi.1992, Marcelo Lima col., workers (UnB-1033). Goiás: Aruanã, 06.i.2004, H.F. Cunha col., workers (UFG). Catalão, vii.2004, D.E. Oliveira col., workers (UnB-10003). Cocalzinho de Goiás, 27.vii.2004, H.F. Cunha col., workers (UFG). Cavalcante, Fazenda Miraflores, 08-12.ii.2015, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-10500, 10570, 10584). Alvorada do Norte, Fazenda Paraná, 27.viii.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-4114). Formosa, Fazenda Santo Antonio, 01.ii.2012, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8458). 02.ii.2012, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8501). 29.i.2012, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8376, UnB-8388). 30.i.2012, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB- 8422). Goiânia, 28.v.1986,? col., workers (UFG-223, 406). Hidrolândia, 30.i.2004, H.F. Cunha col., workers (UFG). Iporá, 02.vi.2004, H.F. Cunha col., workers (UFG). Matrinchã, 22.xii.2003, H.F. Cunha col., workers (UFG). São Domingos, Monte Alto, 03.ix.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-4427). 06.ix.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-4367, 4371, 4419). 07.ix.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-4378, UnB-4439, UnB-4440). 08.ix.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-4405, UnB-4474). 14.iii.2004, G.C. Costa col., workers (UnB-5315). 16.iii.2004, G.C. Costa col., workers (UnB-5365). Niquelândia, 17.vi.2006, D.G. Pinheiro col., workers (UnB-9910, UnB-9911, UnB-9912, UnB-9913, UnB-9914, UnB-9915, UnB-9916). Mineiros, Parque Nacional das Emas, 15.vi.2004, D.A. Costa col., workers (UFG). Minaçu, UHE Serra da Mesa, 25.ii.1997, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-0306). Mato Grosso: Chapada dos Guimarães, APM Manso, 12.i.1999, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-0792). 16.i.1999, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-0848, UnB-0859). Cáceres, 25.ii.2012, T.G.D. Plaza col., workers (UnB-8954). Chapada dos Guimarães, 10.ii.1976, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-6524, 6577, 6632, 6812, 6833). Cuiabá, 14.ii.1976, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-6667, 6700, UnB- 9930); 15.ii.1976, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-6529, 6681). 16.ii.1976, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP- 6541). 17.ii.1976, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-6860). 25.v.2005, K.S. Oliveira col., workers (UnB-6399). Ribeirão Cascalheira, Fazenda Destino, 22.x.2011, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8114). 27.x.2011, D.E. Oliveira col., workers (UnB-8280). Ribeirão Cascalheira, Fazenda Estrela, 28.x.2011, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8254). Nova Xavantina, 13.ix.1999, J. Dalponte col., workers (UnB-1954). 19.ix.1995, J. Dalponte col., workers (UnB-2704). Novo Santo Antônio, Parque Estadual do Araguaia, 05.vi.2005, H.S. Lima & D.D. Franczak col., workers (UnB-6655). 06.xi.2005, H.S. Lima & D.D. Franczak col., workers, imagoes (UnB-6657, 6658, 6659, 6660, 6661, 6662, 6663, 6664, 6665, 6666, 6667, 7120, 7121). 08.xi.2005, H.S. Lima & D.D. Franczak col., workers (UnB-6668, 6669, 6670, 6671, 6672, 6673, 7122). 20.viii.2005, H.S. Lima & D.D. Franczak col., workers (UnB-6656). Nova Xavantina, Rio das Mortes, 16.viii.2010, D.G. Pinheiro col., workers (UnB-9908, 9909). Mato Grosso do Sul: Campo Grande, 14.iii.2003, D.D. Sul col., workers (LRFC-2617). 20.ii.1976, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-6515). Minas Gerais: Arceburgo, 01.x.2006, E.M. Cancello col., workers (MZSP-11623). Santana do Riacho, Cardeal Mota (Serra do Cipó), 16.iii.2012, A.V. Quintino col., workers (UnB-10050). Paracatu, Faz.

Rossato, 27.x.2001, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-3072). João Pinheiro, 09.vii.2007, A.L. Evangelista col., workers (UnB-7466). Ouro Branco, 12.viii.1995, L.R. & C.F.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-1708, LRFC-1712, LRFC-1716). Paracatu, 28.vi.2010, D.G. Pinheiro col., workers (UnB-9907). Rio Paranaíba, 22.x.1990, O.F.F. Souza col., workers (UFV-2103, UFV-2105, UFV-2106). São Thomé das Letras, 13.viii.1995, L.R. & C.F.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-1705). Viçosa, 16.ii.2002, C. Galbiati col., workers (UnB-5558). Paraíba: Areia, 10.xi.1998, A. Vasconcellos col., workers (UFPB-1158). Santa Teresinha, 05.ii.2006, A. Vasconcellos col., workers (UnB-6742). Pará: Santarém, Alter do Chão, 08.vi.2012, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8742). 11.vi.2012, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8789). Altamira, Cachoeira do Curuá, 19.ix.2003, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-3964). Monte Alegre, 14.vi.2012, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-8843). Pernambuco: Caruaru, 05.xii.1997, A.G. Bandeira col., workers (UFPB-1088, 1089). 14.viii.1997, C. Montenegro col., workers (UFPB- 1013). 14.ix.1997, A.G. Bandeira col., workers (UFPB-1014). Recife, 22.x.2000, A. Vasconcellos col., workers (UFPB-1575). Brejo da Madre de Deus, RPPN Fazenda Bituri, 29.v.2010, F.M.S. Moura col., workers (UnB- 8938). Piauí: Corrente, 26.xi.1991, E.M. Cancello col., workers (MZSP-12040). Oeiras, 18.xi.1991, P. Moutinho col., workers (MZSP-12037). Bom Jesus, Rodovia Transcerrado, 10.xi.2010, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB- 7890). Rio de Janeiro: Armação dos Búzios, 13.x.1995, L.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-1694). Rio Grande do Sul: São Borja, 22.ii.1974, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-5255). Uruguaiana, viii.1915, E. Garbe col., workers (MZSP-1198). Vacaria, 23.ii.1974, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-5263). Rondônia: Vilhena, Vilhena - Área 3, 07.xi.1998, R. Constantino col., workers (UnB-2547). Roraima: Cantá, Embrapa Confiança, 28.viii.2014, A.N.S. Acioli col., workers (CICA-0521). São Paulo: Botucatu, 01.xi.1999, E.M. Cancello & C.B col., workers (MZSP- 11082, MZSP-11086). Guarulhos, 21.ix.2003, L.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-2442). Jaboticabal, iii.1998, F.J. Cividanes col., workers (MZSP-10805). Manduri, 28.xii.1990, L.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-1071). Rio Claro, 02.vii.2004, A.M. Costa-Leonardo col., workers (UnB-6615). 09.x.1992, A.M.C. Leonardo col., workers, imagoes (UnB-0342). São Paulo, 10.iv.1996, F. Silvestri col., workers, imagoes (MZSP-1188). 17.iv.1951, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-3334). 26.x.1944, R.L. Araujo col., workers (MZSP-2553). Taubaté, 21.iv.1992, L.R. Fontes col., workers (LRFC-1510). Tocantins: Paranã, Fazenda São João, 12.ix.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-4876). 13.ix.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-4909). 16.ix.2003, D.L. Bernardo col., workers (UnB-9117). 27.iii.2004, G.C. Costa col., workers (UnB-9124).

Figures

FIGURE 17. Imago of Ruptitermes reconditus (Silvestri 1901). A, head in profile; B, head and pronotum in dorsal view; C, pterothorax in dorsal view; D, mandibles.

FIGURE 18. Worker of Ruptitermes reconditus (Silvestri 1901). A, habitus; B, protibia; C, procoxae; D, head in profile; E, head in dorsal view; F, mandibles.

FIGURE 19. Ruptitermes reconditus (Silvestri 1901). A, workers foraging on the surface at night. B, typical soil workings built by workers around foraging holes.

FIGURE 22. Worker heads of Ruptitermes, showing pilosity. All figures in the same scale.

FIGURE 25. Enteric valve armature of workers of Ruptitermes. A, R. krishnai; B – C, R. maraca; D, R. piliceps; E – F, R. pitan; G – H, R. reconditus; I – J, R. xanthochiton. Scale bars = 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 29. Geographic range of Ruptitermes reconditus (Silvestri 1901). Empty circles indicate published records (Silvestri 1903; Holmgren 1906; Mathews 1977), not examined.