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| Cryptotermes mobydicki Scheffrahn, in Scheffrahn, Buček, Sillam-Dussès et Šobotník, 2025. |
Abstract
Cryptotermes mobydicki sp. nov. is described from the soldier caste. The soldier is unique among all Cryptotermes species worldwide for its very narrow, elongate head capsule terminating with an extended frontal process. The new species constitutes the sixteenth Cryptotermes species for South America. Our phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that C. mobydicki sp. nov. is most closely related to the Neotropical and Central American C. mangoldi, C. parvifrons, C. cymatofrons, C. rotundiceps, and C. cavifrons.
Key words: Amazonia, frontal process, soldier
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| Holotype soldier of Cryptotermes mobydicki sp. nov. (FG1240), views of head and pronotum. A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Oblique view; D. Ventral view. Arrows point to shallow incision of frontal process. |
Cryptotermes mobydicki Scheffrahn, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Among Cryptotermes soldiers worldwide, C. mobydicki is unique for the following characters: the head capsule is very long and narrow; the frontal flange and the frontal horns are absent; and, in dorsal view, the mandibles are greatly eclipsed by the extended frontal process (Fig. 1).
Etymology. Named after Moby Dick from Herman Melville’s classic novel. The lateral view of the soldier frontal process and elongate head (Fig. 1B) resembles the head of a sperm whale. Both organisms have mandibles eclipsed by the head, and the whale eye and soldier’s antennal socket are comparatively positioned.
Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Aleš Buček, David Sillam-Dussès and Jan Šobotník. 2025. Cryptotermes mobydicki (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae), An extraordinary New termite Species from French Guiana. ZooKeys. 1258: 305-311. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.166021 [06-11-2025]
