The western U.S. is home to two known native species of subterranean termites, Reticulitermes hesperus and Reticulitermes tibialis. But a new analysis shows R. hesperus is likely a species complex of at least two distinct species, and at least five species Reticulitermes in all may be present in California. A better understanding of these separate subterranean termite species and their behaviors will be essential for effective management. The study, published in October in the Journal of Economic Entomology, was conducted by a group of six researchers: Top row, left to right: Shu-Ping Tseng, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside; Andrew Sutherland, Ph.D., BCE, UC Cooperative Extension; and Michael Haverty, Ph.D., U.S. Forest Service. Bottom row, left to right: Chow-Yang Lee, Ph.D., UC, Riverside; Casey Hubble, UC Cooperative Extension, and Lori Nelson, U.S. Forest Service. (Photos courtesy of Chow-Yang Lee, Ph.D.)