Morphological and molecular characterization of Odontotermes badius Haviland, 1898 (Blattodea: Macrotermitinae), with the first report from Nigeria

Background Odontotermes Holmgren, 1910 is a common genus of termites in Africa with several species found in different regions within the continent. These species have been reported to be serious pests of agriculture. Odontotermes badius Haviland (1898) was first reported in South Africa but has not been reported in Nigeria. Only six Odontotermes species have been reported in Nigeria. Results This new report of O. badius for the first time in Nigeria with morphological and molecular confirmation illustrates the seventh Odontotermes species in the country.