Phylogeny of Sap Beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) Deciphering Patterns of Host Shift

Authors

Matthew Moulton, Brigham Young University
Dr. Michael F. Whiting, Brigham Young University

Keywords

phylogeny, sap beetles, coleoptera nitidulidae, host shift

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Nitidulids are a moderately diverse family of beetles, but the evolution of their feeding specializations was poorly understood. They are important in agroecosystems as pests of fruit crops, stored grains, honey production, biocontrol of aphids and scale insects, and transmission of plant viral pathogens. The phylogeny produced helped answer questions pertaining to the evolution of nitidulid host specialization, and provided insights into the diversification of this group. I conducted the first subfamilial phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data. Specific goals were: (1) Perform a phylogenetic analysis using molecular data from eight genes; 2) Use the phylogeny to infer the ancestral feeding mode; and (3) document the subsequent shifts to inquilinism (a specialized form of symbiosis), necrophily (corpse feeding), anthophily (flower feeding), predation, sap feeding, and various degrees of specialized mycophagy (fungus feeding).

Recommended Citation

Moulton, Matthew and Whiting, Dr. Michael F. (2013) "Phylogeny of Sap Beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) Deciphering Patterns of Host Shift," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1038.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1038