A taxonomic review of the Indian endemic genus Labiocapritermes Krishna, 1968 (Blattodea: Isoptera: Termitidae) with description of two new species from Kerala, India

Labiocapritermes Krishna, 1968 (Blattodea: Isoptera: Termitidae), endemic to the Southern states of India, has been a monotypic genus. The genus is reviewed and two new species, Labiocapritermes microcephalus Amina & Rajmohana sp. nov., and Labiocapritermes wayanadensis Amina & Rajmohana sp. nov. from Kerala, India are described. A dichotomous key to all three species is provided, along with their distribution map. Distribution data suggest a high elevation affinity to the genus. The genus is documented both in natural and managed habitats. Typically, group III and IV soil-feeding termites are underrepresented in agricultural plots, with higher abundance in less disturbed habitats. In contrast, the present study records L. wayanadensis from a rubber plantation and L. distortus from a tea plantation, suggesting a degree of tolerance to habitat disturbance. This study provides the first documentation of Labiocapritermes occurrence in a managed habitat.