Weevil phylogenomics using hybrid enrichment
This project utilizes a target capture (via hybrid enrichment) method to obtain 500 loci or >1,000,000 bp of DNA data to reconstruct a phylogeny of weevils at the family and subfamily level. Sequence read assembly and locus homology determination are performed using a novel method implemented in the program SISRS.
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Diversity and evolution of bacterial symbionts in weevils
Bacterial symbionts can play critical roles in insects which have been studied, but their diversity remains poorly documented in most insects. My project attempts to survey the diversity and reconstruct the evolution of bacterial symbionts in weevils using a large taxonomic sample, which represents four families and 17 subfamilies of weevils. The 16s gene has been amplified and sequenced on Illumina Miseq. Analyses are underway.
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Biogeography of the Neotropical Exophthalmus genus complex (Entiminae)
The Exophthalmus genus complex (Curculionidae: Entiminae) contains a large radiation (>90 species) in the Caribbean region and about another 50 species on the Neotropical mainland. I have performed model-based biogeographic estimations based on a newly obtained time-calibrated molecular phylogeny to study its biogeographic history.
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Structure and evolution of host plant associations in Eustylini and Geonemini
I am isolating and sequencing plant DNA preserved in weevil digestive tract to investigate weevil-host plant associations. I have collected plant DNA data from >80 species of weevils belonging to the Eustylini and Geonemini. With this data set, I will investigate how weevil host plants are structured within and between communities and test if the insects have coevolved with their hosts.
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Reclassification of genera within the Exophthalmus genus complex
The genus Exophthalmus Schoenherr, 1823 is at present polyphyletic, as evidenced by the morphological phylogeny in Franz (2012) and my current molecular phylogeny. To resolve this problem, it is necessary to reclassify the genera within the Exophthalmus genus complex, which contains at least seven other valid generic names. Despite poor resolution and conflicts at some deeper nodes, both morphological and molecular analyses support the delimitation of five clades, which would correspond to five newly circumscribed genera. Most current member species of Exophthalmus will have to be transferred to other, newly defined genera, and that generic name will be applied to a relatively small group restricted to the Caribbean.
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