Preliminary Phylogeneic Analyses of the Erotylidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Erotylidae) based on Molecular Data

Authors

James A. Robertson, Brigham Young University
Dr. Michael F. Whiting, Brigham Young University

Keywords

preliminary phylogeneic analysis, Erotylidae, Cucujoidea, fungus beetles

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

The Cucujoidea, a very diverse beetle superfamily, includes mycophagous and wood consuming beetles. Within the Cucujoidea is the family Erotylidae (pleasing fungus beetles). The Erotylidae includes 125 genera and approximately 2,500 species, and has a worldwide distribution. Erotylids are known for their striking coloration, including black with yellow, red, orange and even pink and purple (Boyle 1956). The current hypothesis of erotylid phylogeny is based exclusively on adult morphology and was not formulated using rigorous phylogenetic methodology. Hence phylogenetic relationships of the major lineages within this family are dubious. Since erotylid beetles exhibit such striking aposematic coloration, a well-supported phylogeny, constructed independent from their morphology, is a critical step towards understanding the evolution of this coloration and their association with fungi. This research is a first step in the exploration of the utility of molecular data for identifying major lineages within the Erotylidae.

Recommended Citation

Robertson, James A. and Whiting, Dr. Michael F. (2014) "Preliminary Phylogeneic Analyses of the Erotylidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Erotylidae) based on Molecular Data," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 967.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/967