Data from: Global genetic analysis reveals the putative native source of the invasive termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, in France

Biological invasions are recognized as a major threat to both natural and managed ecosystems. Phylogeographic and population genetic analyses can provide information about the geographical origins and patterns of introduction and explain the causes and mechanisms by which introduced species have become successful invaders. Reticulitermes flavipes is a North American subterranean termite that has been introduced into several areas, including France where introduced populations have become invasive. To identify likely source populations in the USA and to compare the genetic diversity of both native and introduced populations, an extensive molecular genetic study was undertaken using the COII region of mtDNA and 15 microsatellite loci. Our results showed that native northern US populations appeared well differentiated from those of the southern part of the US range. Phylogenetic analysis of both mitochondrial and nuclear markers showed that French populations probably originated from southeastern US populations, and more specifically from Louisiana. All of the mtDNA haplotypes shared between the United States and France were found in Louisiana. Compared to native populations in Louisiana, French populations show lower genetic diversity at both mtDNA and microsatellite markers. These findings are discussed along with the invasion routes of R. flavipes as well as the possible mechanisms by which French populations have evolved after their introduction.

生物入侵已被公认为对自然生态系统与人工管理生态系统均构成重大威胁。系统地理学与种群遗传学分析可阐明入侵物种的地理起源、传入模式，并揭示其成功入侵的成因与内在机制。黄肢散白蚁（Reticulitermes flavipes）是一种北美地下白蚁，现已被引入包括法国在内的多个区域，其在法种群已演变为入侵种群。为明确其在美国的潜在源种群，并对比本地种群与入侵种群的遗传多样性，本研究采用线粒体DNA（mtDNA）的COII区域与15个微卫星位点（microsatellite loci），开展了大规模分子遗传学研究。研究结果显示，美国北部的本地种群与美国分布区内的南部种群存在显著遗传分化。基于线粒体与核标记的系统发育分析表明，法国入侵种群大概率起源于美国东南部种群，更具体地说，源自路易斯安那州种群。美国与法国共享的所有线粒体DNA单倍型，均在路易斯安那州种群中被检出。与路易斯安那州的本地种群相比，法国入侵种群在线粒体DNA与微卫星标记上均表现出更低的遗传多样性。本研究结合黄肢散白蚁的入侵路径，以及法国种群在传入后可能的演化机制，对上述研究发现进行了讨论。