Termites and trees: a review of recent advances in termite phylogenetics

Modem termite phylogenetics is critically reviewed, with an emphasis on tre e topologies as phylogenetic hypotheses. Studies have especially concentrat ed on (1) the position of Isoptera among the Dictyoptera and (2) the family group relationships within the Isoptera. The first of these problems is st ill controversial; although the weight of evidence now suggests that termit es are nested within the cockroaches, thus making "Blattaria" as presently constituted paraphyletic. The exact position of termites within the cockroa ches is uncertain, although Cryptocercus is the most plausible sister group . Family groups relationships are rather better resolved. Mastotermitidae is now generally accepted to be the most basal termite group. Termopsidae, Hod otermitidae and Kalotermitidae are all basal to (Termitidae + Serritermitid ae + Rhinotermitidae), although their relative positions within that part o f the tree are disputed. Most recent studies support a sister group relatio nship for Serritermitidae and (Termitidae + Rhinotermitidae). However, no s tudy has yet unambiguously found the Rhinotermitidae monophyletic. The Term itidae are well established as monophyletic and as the most apical termite family. However, within the Termitidae the monophyly of none of the subfami lies is well established, making subfamily level analyses unreliable. A number of problem areas are identified: (1) poor taxon sampling is a univ ersal problem, (2) higher taxonomic groupings are often assumed to be monop hyletic a priori without adequate support, (3) datasets are collected from different taxa and character systems without consideration of the overall i nternational effort.