Muelleritermes: A new termite genus with two species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae).

We present the description of Muelleritermes, new genus, and two new species: M. fritzi , sp. n. and M. globiceps , sp. n. Both species were found only in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. All castes are described and illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. These species seem to be closely related to the genera Velocitermes and Diversitermes , sharing traits such as the presence of three types of soldiers and workers and a short mixed segment. This genus differs from Velocitermes and Diversitermes in the presence of a few ommatids on soldier's head, behind the antennae. It also differs from Velocitermes in the lack of a constriction on the head of major soldiers, and from Diversitermes in the presence of short hairs on top of the soldier's head, instead of microscopic ones.