The Termites of Panama (Isoptera)

Abstract Termites are relatively primitive insects living in highly organized societies. Their nearest living relatives are the cockroaches. All species live in colonies that include both male and female individuals differentiated in form and function into castes. Two or three adult castes are present, depending upon the species. While best known for their destruction of wood and cellulose-containing products, termites are actually extremely beneficial organisms in the dynamics of both tropical and temperate ecosystems. Zoogeographic information provided in this chapter is based on the work of Emerson (1952, 1955). The termite fauna of Panama is diverse, with endemic species, species that are also found in the Caribbean region and northern South America, and species that range northward into Central America and Mexico. In addition, many of the major pest species of the Western Hemisphere have also been reported in Panama. Although 140 species have been described in the North American (Canada through Panama) fauna and 48 species in Panama alone, no single key exists to facilitate rapid identification. This chapter, which is condensed from the manuscript of a book in preparation by Nickle and Collins on the termites of continental North America, brings together current biological information and includes more fully illustrated identification keys for the termites of Panama. We provide keys to soldiers of nearly all the·Panamanian fauna (some species lack soldiers, while other species have been described on the basis of alates alone, and soldiers have not yet been recognized). Keys to genera of the winged forms are also provided together with descriptions of diagnostic characters.