Gut anatomy of the worker caste of Neotropical genera Cylindrotermes Holmgren and Hoplotermes Light (Infraorder Isoptera, Termitidae)

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Studies over the last six decades have shown that the gut anatomy of the termite worker caste provides a valuable set of taxonomic characters. However, the gut anatomy of most American termitine taxa is still little known. This study investigated the anatomy of the worker gut of the Neotropical termitine genera Cylindrotermes Holmgren and Hoplotermes Light. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the gut in situ and the cuticular ornamentation of the gizzard, enteric valve, and first proctodeal segment for both genera.