Taxonomy and Systematic Entomology
My research on systematics and taxonomy is centered on studying diverse aspects related to the evolution of Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), a beetle superfamily of >40,000 species. Members of the group display a large variety of traits and behavior convergence related to predator defense, such as spines, fecal shields or cases and maternal care. Investigating the evolutionary patterns and processes underlying this diversity, is the long-term goal of my future research. Thus, strong emphasis is placed on: 1) descriptive, alpha-level taxonomy, 2) developing robust phylogenetic hypotheses utilizing data from varied sources, from phylogenomic to morphological datasets, and 3) understanding of the processes structuring its diversity at different spatial and temporal scales.
Using collectomics to unveil effects of biotic interaction to macroevolutionary trends of phenotypic convergence
Tortoise beetles offer an ideal clade for exploring morphological anti-predator adaptation convergence and the particular conditions under which these complex traits originate. With focus on one of the tribe Dorynotini, a proposal has been submitted to DFG to fund the construction of a robust time calibrated species-level phylogeny, to study the phenotypic convergence of structures hypothesized to be associated to defense mechanisms in Dorynotini. Specifically, I will test the hypothesis that suggests biotic interactions are the main mechanism related to the tribe’s diversification and pattern of phenotypic convergence.
The proposed research will integrate comparative morphology of extant and extinct taxa, statistical and high-throughput sequencing phylogenomic data using a collectomics approach, and ancestral area reconstruction, to pinpoint where and when in the evolutionary tree the convergences occurred in tandem with intrinsic biotic (e.g., emergence of predators or host-plants) or extrinsic abiotic factors (e.g., Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum).
Some collaborators:
Marianne Espeland, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig
Duane Mckenna, University Memphis
Lukas Sekerka, National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic
Don Windsor, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Sonja Wedmann, Senckenberg Research Institute
Fingers crossed!!
Leaf-beetle Fossil: Messel
Recent findings have revealed new fossil lineages of tortoise beetles from the lower Middle Eocene (ca. 47 Myr.; Messel, Germany). The description and placement of these fossils are crucial as minimal age constraints for estimating the divergence time of Dorynotini, its biogeography and diversification dynamics.
Collaborators:
Lukas Sekerka, National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic
Don Windsor, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Sonja Wedmann, Senckenberg Research Institute
Leaf-beetle alpha taxonomy: New Species and identification key
Despite the great relevance and prominence in ecological and evolutionary literature of the “Phytophaga”, little is known regarding their natural history, taxonomy and systematics, complicating the evaluation of important evolutionary hypotheses. Thus, much of my publications were are on alpha taxonomy, e.g, defining species and observing initial patterns of distribution, morphology and ecology.
At the moment I'm working on the description of new tortoise beetle species and the elaboration of an updated identification keys.
Stay tuned!
Colaborators:
Lukas Sekerka, National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic
Don Windsor, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Inventory of Tortoise beetles from the Baturite massif, Ceará, Brazil
The Baturité Massif is located in the State of Ceará,and is one of the few remnants of Atlantic Forest reserves in the Brazilian Northeast. Considered important for the maintenance of biological diversity, it preserves a true gene bank of the biodiversity of plants and animals of the region. Little is known about the beetle fauna, and we are working on the inventory of its fauna.
Colabs:
Lukas Sekerka, National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic
Marcela Monne, Museu Nacional/UFRJ
Miguel Monne, Museu Nacional UFRJ
