Taxonomy, phylogenetics and comparative evolution of mimicry complexes formed between assassin bugs (Reduviidae) and braconid wasps
Mimetic associations formed between the Hymenoptera (wasps, bees and ants) and numerous other insects are probably the most diverse, abundant and conspicuous mimicry system globally. These ubiquitous yet complex systems present an unparalleled and under-explored opportunity for transforming the way in which we study and explain the patterns and processes of mimicry. Within this system, two exceptionally diverse lineages, braconid wasps and assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) have evolved striking mimicry in the Neotropics. This project aims to unravel the vast taxonomic and phenotypic diversity of this mimetic complex and employ a phylogenetic approach to study mimicry diversification and evolution, as outlined below. I am collaborating with Dr. Michael Sharkey.
We have identified three broad objectives for this project.
1. Advancing biodiversity synthesis of mimetic species with monographic and integrative taxonomy. We will provide taxonomic treatments of 250 species of two mimetic wasp genera from two subfamilies and a group of mimetic assassin bugs and expect to describe at least 130 species new to science. This will be a major advance in biodiversity discovery and synthesis of mimetic organisms.
2. Characterizing and analyzing patterns and diversity of mimicry. We will use quantitative methods to characterize and classify color patterns. We will explore, describe and analyze important properties of our mimicry system such as diversity and composition of mimicry rings, sexual dimorphism and polymorphism. These comparative data are essential for testing evolutionary scenarios of mimicry in this large and diverse system and will facilitate ecological and genetic research.
3. Reconstructing the “mimetic tree of life” and illuminating mimicry evolution. Macroevolutionary patterns of mimicry have rarely been investigated despite the recent rapid progress in sequencing techniques and phylogenetic methods. We will reconstruct phylogenies using next generation sequencing technologies and test evolutionary scenarios of patterns of mimicry.
I submitted a NSF full proposal for this project, but it was not funded. The text of the full proposal is provided below.
Anyone interested in collaborating on this project please contact me.
1. Advancing biodiversity synthesis of mimetic species with monographic and integrative taxonomy. We will provide taxonomic treatments of 250 species of two mimetic wasp genera from two subfamilies and a group of mimetic assassin bugs and expect to describe at least 130 species new to science. This will be a major advance in biodiversity discovery and synthesis of mimetic organisms.
2. Characterizing and analyzing patterns and diversity of mimicry. We will use quantitative methods to characterize and classify color patterns. We will explore, describe and analyze important properties of our mimicry system such as diversity and composition of mimicry rings, sexual dimorphism and polymorphism. These comparative data are essential for testing evolutionary scenarios of mimicry in this large and diverse system and will facilitate ecological and genetic research.
3. Reconstructing the “mimetic tree of life” and illuminating mimicry evolution. Macroevolutionary patterns of mimicry have rarely been investigated despite the recent rapid progress in sequencing techniques and phylogenetic methods. We will reconstruct phylogenies using next generation sequencing technologies and test evolutionary scenarios of patterns of mimicry.
I submitted a NSF full proposal for this project, but it was not funded. The text of the full proposal is provided below.
Anyone interested in collaborating on this project please contact me.