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Barrios Hector - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Scolytinae y Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) de la isla Barro Colorado, Panamá
'University of Panama Faculty of Medicine', 2021Co-Authors: RodrÍguez-flores Oswaldo, Barrios HectorAbstract:Isla Barro Colorado (BCI) is a natural reserve located in the Gatun Lake of the Panama Canal, it has been an important tropical area for studies in biology and tropical ecology. However, certain biological groups do not have fauna inventories, one of them is the ambrosial beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). For this reason, he carried out an enriched inventory of the Scolytinae and Platypodinae reported for BCI. To develop the inventory, the following was carried out: 1) review of scientific literature with citations of species registration in the island, 2) review of specimens of the entomological collections of the Universidad de Panama and 3) taxonomic identification of specimens in samples captured by the Smithsonian Research Tropical Institute. A total of 48 species of Scolytinae and 3 species of Platypodinae had been recorded from the island through scientific publications. The examination, taxonomic identification and the database provided 64 species of Scolytinae and three species of Platypodinae as new records for the island. The number of Scolytinae species known for the island reaches 113 species, while the Platypodinae reach 8 species; however, with the taxonomic confirmation of some species, these figures can approach 138 species for Scolytinae and 20 for Platypodinae. Isla Barro Colorado (BCI) es una reserva natural ubicada en el lago Gatún del Canal de Panamá, ha sido un área tropical importante para estudios en biología y ecología tropical. Sin embargo, ciertos grupos biológicos no cuentan con inventarios faunísticos, uno de ellos son los escarabajos ambrosiales (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Por tal razón realizó un inventario enriquecido de los Scolytinae y Platypodinae reportados para BCI. Para desarrollar el inventario, se realizó: 1) revisión de literatura científica con registros de especies en la isla, 2) revisión de especímenes en colecciones entomológicas de la Universidad de Panamá y 3) identificación taxonómica de especímenes en muestras capturadas por el Instituto Smithsoniano de Investigaciones Tropicales. Un total de 48 especies de Scolytinae y cinco de Platypodinae se habían registrado para la isla en publicaciones científicas. La identificación taxonómica de muestras y especímenes en colecciones aportaron 64 especies de Scolytinae y tres de Platypodinae como nuevos registros para la isla. La cantidad de especies de Scolytinae conocidas para la isla alcanza las 113, mientras que los Platypodinae alcanzan 8; sin embargo, con la confirmación taxonómica de algunas especies, las cifras pueden aproximarse a 138 especies para Scolytinae y 20 para Platypodinae.
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Diversidad, distribución vertical y temporal de los escarabajos Ambrosiales Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en la Isla Barro Colorado, Panamá
'University of Panama Faculty of Medicine', 2021Co-Authors: Rodríguez Oswaldo R., Barrios HectorAbstract:In Barro Colorado Island, a tropical ecosystem in the Atlantic basin of the Panama Canal, diversity, vertical and temporal distributions of Platypodinae 78 Scientia, Vol. 27, N° 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were studied. The catches were taken with Pennsylvania ultraviolet light traps located in the canopy and understory, at heights of 3 and 27 meters respectively. The effective capture time of the traps was for four years, 24 hours of the day. The specimens were identified taxonomically at the species level and their abundances were quantified by stratum of the forest and by months of the year. Sixteen species were captured, considering that 73% of the species of the sampled locality was captured. Euplatypus parallelus was the most abundant species. The diversity and abundance was greater in the understory. In the canopy, in the summer months, abundance was lower compared to the understory. The temporal distribution of abundance in the canopy was lower in the summer months, while in the understory the catches were stable every month. The patterns of vertical and temporal distribution of abundance in the understory are related to the necessary humidity and the availability of food resources for these insects and their symbionts.En la Isla Barro Colorado, un ecosistema tropical en la cuenca Atlántica del Canal de Panamá, se estudió la diversidad, las distribuciones verticales y temporales de Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Los muestreos se realizaron con trampas Pensilvania de luz ultravioleta ubicadas en el sotobosque y el dosel, a alturas de 3 y 27 metros respectivamente. El tiempo efectivo de captura de las trampas fue durante cuatro años, 24 horas del día. Los especímenes fueron identificados taxonómicamente a nivel de especie y cuantificadas sus abundancias por estrato del bosque y por meses del año. Se capturaron 16 especies, considerándose que se capturó el 73% de las especies de la localidad muestreada. Euplatypus parallelus (Fabricius), 1801 fue la especie más capturada. La diversidad y abundancia fueron mayores en el sotobosque. En el dosel, en los meses de verano la abundancia fue menor en comparación al sotobosque. La distribución temporal de la abundancia en el dosel fue menor en los meses de verano, mientras que en el sotobosque las capturas fueron estables todos los meses.Los patrones de distribución vertical y temporal de la abundancia, en el sotobosque, están relacionados con la humedad necesaria y la disponibilidad de recursos alimenticios para estos insectos y sus simbiontes
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Scolytinae y Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) de la Isla Barro Colorado, Panamá.
Alfredo Lanuza-Garay, 2020Co-Authors: Rodríguez-flores Waldo, Barrios HectorAbstract:Isla Barro Colorado (BCI) es una reserva natural ubicada en el lago Gatún del Canal de Panamá, ha sido un área tropical importante para estudios en biología y ecología tropical. Sin embargo, ciertos grupos biológicos no cuentan con inventarios faunísticos, uno de ellos son los escarabajos ambrosiales (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Por tal razón realizó un inventario enriquecido de los Scolytinae y Platypodinae reportados para BCI. Para desarrollar el inventario, se realizó: 1) revisión de literatura científica con registros de especies en la isla, 2) revisión de especímenes en colecciones entomológicas de la Universidad de Panamá y 3) identificación taxonómica de especímenes en muestras capturadas por el Instituto Smithsoniano de Investigaciones Tropicales. Un total de 48 especies de Scolytinae y cinco de Platypodinae se habían registrado para la isla en publicaciones científicas. La identificación taxonómicade muestras y especímenes en colecciones aportaron 64 especies de Scolytinae y tres de Platypodinae como nuevos registros para la isla. La cantidad de especies de Scolytinae conocidas para la isla alcanza las 113, mientras que los Platypodinae alcanzan 8; sin embargo, con la confirmación taxonómica de algunas especies, las cifras pueden aproximarse a 138 especies para Scolytinae y 20 para Platypodinae
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Diversidad, distribución vertical y temporal de los escarabajos ambrosiales Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en la Isla Barro Colorado, Panamá.
Alfredo Lanuza-Garay, 2017Co-Authors: Rodríguez Oswaldo R., Barrios HectorAbstract:En la Isla Barro Colorado, un ecosistema tropical en la cuenca Atlántica del Canal de Panamá, se estudió la diversidad, las distribuciones verticales y temporales de Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Los muestreos se realizaron con trampas Pensilvania de luz ultravioleta ubicadas en el sotobosque y el dosel, a alturas de 3 y 27 metros respectivamente. El tiempo efectivo de captura delas trampas fue durante cuatro años, 24 horas del día. Los especímenes fueron identificados taxonómicamente a nivel de especie y cuantificadas sus abundancias por estrato del bosque y por meses del año. Se capturaron 16 especies, considerándose que se capturó el 73% de las especies de la localidad muestreada. Euplatypus parallelus (Fabricius), 1801 fue la especie más capturada. La diversidad y abundancia fueron mayores en el sotobosque. En el dosel, en los meses de verano la abundancia fuemenor en comparación al sotobosque. La distribución temporal dela abundancia en el dosel fue menor en los meses de verano, mientras que en el sotobosque las capturas fueron estables todos los meses. Los patrones de distribución vertical y temporal de la abundancia, en el sotobosque, están relacionados con la humedad necesaria y la disponibilidad de recursos alimenticios para estos insectos y sus simbiontes
Rodríguez Flores, Oswaldo René - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Scolytinae y Platypodinae (coleóptera: curculionidae): ecología de la comunidad en la Isla Barro Colorado y aportes al conocimiento de su composiciónfaunística en el área del Canal de Panamá
2016Co-Authors: Rodríguez Flores, Oswaldo RenéAbstract:La presente investigación se realizó con los propósitos de conocer como la estratificación vertical, la estacionalidad y los factores abióticos del ecosistema influyen en la comunidad de Scolytinae y Platypodinae de la Isla Barro Colorado (BCI), y organizar y aportar al conocimiento de la fauna de de Scolytinae y Platypodinae del Área del Canal de Panamá. Para el estudio de estratificación vertical, estacionalidad y factores abióticos se utilizaron especímenes de Scolytinae y Platypodinae capturados durante los años 1987-1990 con dos trampas Pensilvania de luz ultravioleta modificadas. Las trampas estaban ubicadas en el bosque de BCI, distribuidas a dos alturas: 3 y 27 metros. Para listar las especies reportadas del Área del Canal y aportar al conocimiento taxonómico de ambas subfamilias se realizaron dos procedimientos: identificación de especímenes capturados en diferentes localidades del Área del Canal y la revisión de la literatura científica disponible que reporta especies recolectadas en localidades del Área del Canal. En los muestreos de BCI las especies más abundantes fueron Xyleborus volvulus (Scolytinae) y Euplatypus parallelus (Platypodinae). El grupo trofico xilomicetofago fue predominante, represento el 86.1% de las capturas y el 64.5% de las especies. La comunidad de Scolytinae y Platypodinae estudiada en BCI presenta patrones de verticalidad conformado por especies de sotobosque y especies de dosel. La mayor riqueza, abundancia y el grupo trófico xilomicetófagos fueron más diversos en el sotobosque y durante la estación lluviosa. Las temperaturas fueron un factor importante en la dinámica de la comunidad de Scolytinae. En el presente estudio se depuro por primera vez el listado de especies de Scolytinae y Platypodinae del Área del Canal, y se incluyeron 63 especies de Scolytinae y 22 de Platypodinae al listado. Se determine que a la fecha del Área del Canal de Panamá se conocen 217 especies de Scolytinae y 25 de Platypodinae
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Scolytinae y Platypodinae (coleóptera: curculionidae): ecología de la comunidad en la Isla Barro Colorado y aportes al conocimiento de su composición faunística en el área del Canal de Panamá
2016Co-Authors: Rodríguez Flores, Oswaldo RenéAbstract:La presente investigación se realizó con los propósitos de conocer como la estratificación vertical, la estacionalidad y los factores abióticos del ecosistema influyen en la comunidad de Scolytinae y Platypodinae de la Isla Barro Colorado (BCI), y organizar y aportar al conocimiento de la fauna de de Scolytinae y Platypodinae del Área del Canal de Panamá. Para el estudio de estratificación vertical, estacionalidad y factores abióticos se utilizaron especímenes de Scolytinae y Platypodinae capturados durante los años 1987-1990 con dos trampas Pensilvania de luz ultravioleta modificadas. Las trampas estaban ubicadas en el bosque de BCI, distribuidas a dos alturas: 3 y 27 metros. Para listar las especies reportadas del Área del Canal y aportar al conocimiento taxonómico de ambas subfamilias se realizaron dos procedimientos: identificación de especímenes capturados en diferentes localidades del Área del Canal y la revisión de la literatura científica disponible que reporta especies recolectadas en localidades del Área del Canal. En los muestreos de BCI las especies más abundantes fueron Xyleborus volvulus (Scolytinae) y Euplatypus parallelus (Platypodinae). El grupo trofico xilomicetofago fue predominante, represento el 86.1% de las capturas y el 64.5% de las especies. La comunidad de Scolytinae y Platypodinae estudiada en BCI presenta patrones de verticalidad conformado por especies de sotobosque y especies de dosel. La mayor riqueza, abundancia y el grupo trófico xilomicetófagos fueron mas diversos en el sotobosque y durante la estación lluviosa. Las temperaturas fueron un factor importante en la dinámica de la comunidad de Scolytinae. En el presente estudio se depuro por primera vez el listado de especies de Scolytinae y Platypodinae del Área del Canal, y se incluyeron 63 especies de Scolytinae y 22 de Platypodinae al listado. Se determine que, a la fecha, del Área del Canal de Panamá se conocen 217 especies de Scolytinae y 25 de Platypodinae
Jordal, Bjarte Henry - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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New molecular markers resolve the phylogenetic position of the enigmatic wood-boring weevils Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
University Library J. C. Senckenberg, 2020Co-Authors: Mugu Sigrid, Pistone Dario, Jordal, Bjarte HenryAbstract:The precise phylogenetic position of the weevil subfamily Platypodinae continues to be one of the more contentious issues in weevil systematics. Morphological features of adult beetles and similar ecological adaptations point towards a close relationship with the wood boring Scolytinae, while some recent molecular studies and larval morphology have indicated a closer relationship to Dryophthorinae. To test these opposing hypotheses, a molecular phylogeny was reconstructed using 5,966 nucleotides from ten gene fragments. Five of these genes are used for the first time to explore beetle phylogeny, i.e. the nuclear protein coding genes PABP1, UBA5, Arr2, TPI, and Iap2, while five markers have been used in earlier studies (28S, COI, CAD, ArgK, and EF-1α). Bayesian, maximum likelihood and parsimony analyses of the combined data strongly support a monophyletic Curculionidae (the advanced weevils with geniculate antennae), where Brachycerinae, Platypodinae, and Dryophthorinae formed the earliest diverging groups. Dryophthorinae and core Platypodinae were sister groups with high support, with the contentious genera Mecopelmus Blackman, 1944 and Coptonotus Chapuis, 1873 placed elsewhere. Other lineages of wood boring weevils such as Scolytinae, Cossoninae, and Conoderinae were part of a derived, but less resolved, clade forming the sister group to Entiminae. Resolution among major curculionid subfamilies was ambiguous, emphasizing the need for large volumes of data to further improve resolution in this most diverse section of the weevil tree.publishedVersio
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New molecular markers resolve the phylogenetic position of the enigmatic wood-boring weevils Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
University Library J. C. Senckenberg, 2018Co-Authors: Mugu Sigrid, Pistone Dario, Jordal, Bjarte HenryAbstract:The precise phylogenetic position of the weevil subfamily Platypodinae continues to be one of the more contentious issues in weevil systematics. Morphological features of adult beetles and similar ecological adaptations point towards a close relationship with the wood boring Scolytinae, while some recent molecular studies and larval morphology have indicated a closer relationship to Dryophthorinae. To test these opposing hypotheses, a molecular phylogeny was reconstructed using 5,966 nucleotides from ten gene fragments. Five of these genes are used for the first time to explore beetle phylogeny, i.e. the nuclear protein coding genes PABP1, UBA5, Arr2, TPI, and Iap2, while five markers have been used in earlier studies (28S, COI, CAD, ArgK, and EF-1α). Bayesian, maximum likelihood and parsimony analyses of the combined data strongly support a monophyletic Curculionidae (the advanced weevils with geniculate antennae), where Brachycerinae, Platypodinae, and Dryophthorinae formed the earliest diverging groups. Dryophthorinae and core Platypodinae were sister groups with high support, with the contentious genera Mecopelmus Blackman, 1944 and Coptonotus Chapuis, 1873 placed elsewhere. Other lineages of wood boring weevils such as Scolytinae, Cossoninae, and Conoderinae were part of a derived, but less resolved, clade forming the sister group to Entiminae. Resolution among major curculionid subfamilies was ambiguous, emphasizing the need for large volumes of data to further improve resolution in this most diverse section of the weevil tree
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Classification of Weevils as a data-driven science: leaving opinion behind
'Pensoft Publishers', 2014Co-Authors: Jordal, Bjarte Henry, Smith, Sarah M., Cognato AnthonyAbstract:Data and explicit taxonomic ranking criteria, which minimize taxonomic change, provide a scientific approach to modern taxonomy and classification. However, traditional practices of opinion-based taxonomy (i.e., mid-20th century evolutionary systematics), which lack explicit ranking and naming criteria, are still in practice despite phylogenetic evidence. This paper discusses a recent proposed reclassification of weevils that elevates bark and ambrosia beetles (Scolytinae and Platypodinae) to the ranks of Family. We demonstrate that the proposed reclassification 1) is not supported by an evolutionary systematic justification because the apparently unique morphology of bark and ambrosia beetles is shared with other unrelated wood-boring weevil taxa; 2) introduces obvious paraphyly in weevil classification and hence violates good practices on maintaining an economy of taxonomic change; 3) is not supported by other taxonomic naming criteria, such as time banding. We recommend the abandonment of traditional practices of an opinion-based taxonomy, especially in light of available data and resulting phylogenies.publishedVersio
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Classification of Weevils as a data-driven science: leaving opinion behind
'Pensoft Publishers', 2014Co-Authors: Jordal, Bjarte Henry, Smith, Sarah M., Cognato AnthonyAbstract:Data and explicit taxonomic ranking criteria, which minimize taxonomic change, provide a scientific approach to modern taxonomy and classification. However, traditional practices of opinion-based taxonomy (i.e., mid-20th century evolutionary systematics), which lack explicit ranking and naming criteria, are still in practice despite phylogenetic evidence. This paper discusses a recent proposed reclassification of weevils that elevates bark and ambrosia beetles (Scolytinae and Platypodinae) to the ranks of Family. We demonstrate that the proposed reclassification 1) is not supported by an evolutionary systematic justification because the apparently unique morphology of bark and ambrosia beetles is shared with other unrelated wood-boring weevil taxa; 2) introduces obvious paraphyly in weevil classification and hence violates good practices on maintaining an economy of taxonomic change; 3) is not supported by other taxonomic naming criteria, such as time banding. We recommend the abandonment of traditional practices of an opinion-based taxonomy, especially in light of available data and resulting phylogenies
Atkinson, Thomas H. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Redescripción de Megaplatypus exaratus (Blandford 1896) con notas sobre su distribución en México y Centroamérica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae)
2016Co-Authors: Burgos-solorio Armando, Atkinson, Thomas H.Abstract:New host and geographic records are given from Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica for Megaplatypus exaratus (Blandford), previously reported only from three localities in Guatemala. Like most Platypodinae it is polyphagous and breeding hosts are reported from fi ve genera in four unrelated families. A redescription and updated diagnosis is included
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Redescripción de \u3ci\u3eMegaplatypus exaratus\u3c/i\u3e (Blandford 1896) con notas sobre su distribución en México y Centroamérica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae)
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2015Co-Authors: Burgos-solorio Armando, Atkinson, Thomas H.Abstract:New host and geographic records are given from Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica for Megaplatypus exaratus (Blandford), previously reported only from three localities in Guatemala. Like most Platypodinae it is polyphagous and breeding hosts are reported from five genera in four unrelated families. A redescription and updated diagnosis is included. Se presentan nuevos registros geográfi cos y de hospederos de México, Guatemala, y Costa Rica para Megaplatypus exaratus (Blandford), previamente reportado de tres localidades en Guatemala. Al igual que la mayoría de Platypodinae es una especie polífaga y se reporta aquí de hospederos de cinco géneros en cuatro familias no emparentadas. Se incluye una redescripción y diagnosis actualizada
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Atlas and checklist of the bark and ambrosia beetles of Texas and Oklahoma (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae)
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2013Co-Authors: Atkinson, Thomas H., Riley E.g.Abstract:180 species of bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) are known to occur in Texas and Oklahoma. 175 species are known from Texas, 35 of which are reported here for the first time. 78 species are known from Oklahoma, 47 of which are new records for the state. Based on overall distribution patterns the largest group of species found in Texas and virtually all known from Oklahoma are widely distributed in eastern and southeastern North America, reaching their southwestern limits here. In the case of Texas other large elements include Neotropical elements shared with Mexico and a large number found in southwestern North America. New distribution and significant new host records are discussed. Distribution maps are included for most species and a checklist is provided as an appendix
Bjarte H Jordal - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A rticle Bulk De Novo Mitogenome Assembly from Pooled Total DNA Elucidates the Phylogeny of Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea)
2016Co-Authors: Conrad P. D. T. Gillett, Bjarte H Jordal, Alex Crampton-platt, Martijn J. T. N. Timmermans, Brent C. Emerson, Alfried P. VoglerAbstract:Complete mitochondrial genomes have been shown to be reliable markers for phylogeny reconstruction among diverse animal groups. However, the relative difficulty and high cost associated with obtaining de novo full mitogenomes have frequently led to conspicuously low taxon sampling in ensuing studies. Here, we report the successful use of an eco-nomical and accessible method for assembling complete or near-complete mitogenomes through shot-gun next-gener-ation sequencing of a single library made from pooled total DNA extracts of numerous target species. To avoid the use of separate indexed libraries for each specimen, and an associated increase in cost, we incorporate standard polymerase chain reaction-based “bait ” sequences to identify the assembled mitogenomes. The method was applied to study the higher level phylogenetic relationships in the weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), producing 92 newly assembled mitogenomes obtained in a single Illumina MiSeq run. The analysis supported a separate origin of wood-boring behavior by the subfamilies Scolytinae, Platypodinae, and Cossoninae. This finding contradicts morphological hypotheses propos-ing a close relationship between the first two of these but is congruent with previous molecular studies, reinforcing the utility of mitogenomes in phylogeny reconstruction. Our methodology provides a technically simple procedure fo
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evolution and diversity of bark and ambrosia beetles
Bark Beetles#R##N#Biology and Ecology of Native and Invasive Species, 2015Co-Authors: Lawrence R. Kirkendall, Peter H W Biedermann, Bjarte H JordalAbstract:Abstract We review the morphology, larval feeding habits, reproductive behavior, and social behavior of Scolytinae and Platypodinae. Their morphology and behavior are adaptations to a lifestyle centered on tunneling in wood. Tunnels are easily defended, and dead wood is a relatively long-lasting resource that can support large populations but that is unpredictable in space and time; these features favor the evolution of parental care and more advanced forms of social behavior. Bark and ambrosia beetles are unique among beetles in the extraordinary variety of feeding biologies and mating systems; in particular, regular bigyny has evolved in many lineages, an otherwise unknown animal mating system. Sex role reversal is rare in insects but has evolved repeatedly in bark and ambrosia beetles. Finally, we summarize for the first time diversity patterns of mating systems and feeding biology for the entire Scolytinae world fauna, ca. 6000 species in 247 genera.
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bulk de novo mitogenome assembly from pooled total dna elucidates the phylogeny of weevils coleoptera curculionoidea
Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2014Co-Authors: Bjarte H Jordal, Conrad P. D. T. Gillett, Martijn J. T. N. Timmermans, Brent C. Emerson, Alex Cramptonplatt, Alfried P. VoglerAbstract:Complete mitochondrial genomes have been shown to be reliable markers for phylogeny reconstruction among diverse animal groups. However, the relative difficulty and high cost associated with obtaining de novo full mitogenomes have frequently led to conspicuously low taxon sampling in ensuing studies. Here, we report the successful use of an economical and accessible method for assembling complete or near-complete mitogenomes through shot-gun next-generation sequencing of a single library made from pooled total DNA extracts of numerous target species. To avoid the use of separate indexed libraries for each specimen, and an associated increase in cost, we incorporate standard polymerase chain reaction-based “bait” sequences to identify the assembled mitogenomes. The method was applied to study the higher level phylogenetic relationships in the weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), producing 92 newly assembled mitogenomes obtained in a single Illumina MiSeq run. The analysis supported a separate origin of wood-boring behavior by the subfamilies Scolytinae, Platypodinae, and Cossoninae. This finding contradicts morphological hypotheses proposing a close relationship between the first two of these but is congruent with previous molecular studies, reinforcing the utility of mitogenomes in phylogeny reconstruction. Our methodology provides a technically simple procedure for generating densely sampled trees from whole mitogenomes and is widely applicable to groups of animals for which bait sequences are the only required prior genome knowledge.
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the evolution of agriculture in beetles curculionidae scolytinae and Platypodinae
Evolution, 2001Co-Authors: Brian D Farrell, Andrea S Sequeira, Brian C Omeara, Benjamin B Normark, Jeffrey Chung, Bjarte H JordalAbstract:Beetles in the weevil subfamilies Scolytinae and Platypodinae are unusual in that they burrow as adults inside trees for feeding and oviposition. Some of these beetles are known as ambrosia beetles for their obligate mutualisms with asexual fungi—known as ambrosia fungi—that are derived from plant pathogens in the ascomycete group known as the ophiostomatoid fungi. Other beetles in these subfamilies are known as bark beetles and are associated with free-living, pathogenic ophiostomatoid fungi that facilitate beetle attack of phloem of trees with resin defenses. Using DNA sequences from six genes, including both copies of the nuclear gene encoding enolase, we performed a molecular phylogenetic study of bark and ambrosia beetles across these two subfamilies to establish the rate and direction of changes in life histories and their consequences for diversification. The ambrosia beetle habits have evolved repeatedly and are unreversed. The subfamily Platypodinae is derived from within the Scolytinae, near the tribe Scolytini. Comparison of the molecular branch lengths of ambrosia beetles and ambrosia fungi reveals a strong correlation, which a fungal molecular clock suggests spans 60 to 21 million years. Bark beetles have shifted from ancestral association with conifers to angiosperms and back again several times. Each shift to angiosperms is associated with elevated diversity, whereas the reverse shifts to conifers are associated with lowered diversity. The unusual habit of adult burrowing likely facilitated the diversification of these beetle-fungus associations, enabling them to use the biomass-rich resource that trees represent and set the stage for at least one origin of eusociality.