Description of a new species of subterranean termite in the genus <i>Reticulitermes</i> (Blattodea: Heterotermitidae) from southern California

Using morphological assessments and phylogenetic inference, we described a new subterranean termite species in the genus <i>Reticulitermes</i> in southern California: <i>Reticulitermes rusti</i> sp. nov. Genetic analyses utilizing 3 mitochondrial loci (<i>16S rRNA</i>, <i>COI</i>, and <i>COII</i>) and 7 microsatellites successfully distinguished the new species from 2 other <i>Reticulitermes</i> found in southern California: <i>R. hesperus</i> Banks and <i>R. tibialis</i> Banks. Empirical measurements of key morphological characters further support the delineation of <i>R. rusti</i> as a new species. While <i>R. rusti</i> is genetically closer to <i>R. tibialis</i>, its soldier caste is morphologically similar to that of <i>R. hesperus</i>. We recommend confirming species identification by sequencing the COI or COII region. The integration of biological, genetic, and morphological data robustly supports the recognition of <i>R. rusti</i> as a distinct new species in southern California.