Ecology of termites from the genus Nasutitermes (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) and potential for science-based development of sustainable pest management programs

Abstract

The genus Nasutitermes is among the most abundant wood-feeding Termitidae and an 48 extremely diverse and heterogeneous group in terms of its biogeography and morphology. 49 Despite the major role of several Nasutitermes species as structural pests, the phylogenetic 50 status of this genus is still unclear, alongside with a confused taxonomy and species 51 identification remaining difficult. The first aim of this review was thus to gather and discuss 52 studies concerning the taxonomic status of the genus Nasutitermes, in order to clarify this 53 crucial point. Then, our goal was to gain new insights into the management of N. corniger, 54 considered to be the most economically detrimental pest of this genus in South America and a 55 Nasutitermes model species, while filtering available information concerning its biology 56 through the prism of termite control, as well as critically examine the existing methods. We 57 indeed strongly believe that increasing our knowledge of this species’ biological strategies is 58 the key to progress in the challenging question of their sustainable management.