A new study published in July 2025 in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America has confirmed that what were thought to be two species of subterranean termites in southern California (Reticulitermes hesperus and R. tibialis) actually include a third distinct species, now named Reticulitermes rusti. Led by Ph.D. candidate Joanne Chen in the lab of Chow‑Yang Lee at UC Riverside, the research team used multiple methods—genetic analysis (mitochondrial markers and microsatellites), morphology, and chemotaxonomy—to distinguish R. rusti from the other species. The new species may explain why past pest control efforts targeting R. hesperus were less effective, since R. rusti behaves differently, underscoring the need for species-specific termite management strategies.