Diversity and diversification of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in New Caledonia
Contemporary taxonomic work on New Caledonian Eumolpinae (Chrysomelidae) has revealed their high species richness in this Western Pacific biodiversity hotspot. To estimate total species richness in this community, we used rapid DNA-based biodiversity assessment tools, exploring mtDNA diversity and phylogenetic structure in a sample of 840 specimens across the main island. Concordance of morphospecies delimitation with units delimited by phenetic and phylogenetic algorithms revealed some 98-110 species in our sample, twice as many as currently described. Sample-based rarefaction curves and species estimators using these species counts doubled this figure (up to 210 species), a realistic estimate considering taxonomic coverage, local endemism, and characteristics of sampling design, amongst others. New Caledonia, compared with larger tropical islands, stands out as a hotspot for Eumolpinae biodiversity. Molecular dating using either chrysomelid specific rates or tree calibration using palaeogeographical data dated the root of the ingroup tree (not necessarily a monophyletic radiation) at 38.5Mya, implying colonizations after the Cretaceous breakage of Gondwana. Our data are compatible with the slowdown in diversification rates through time and are also consistent with recent faunal origins, possibly reflecting niche occupancy after an initial rapid diversification. Environmental factors (e.g. soil characteristics) seemingly played a role in this diversification process. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | artículo biblioteca |
| Published: |
John Wiley & Sons
2013-07
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| Subjects: | Generalized mixed Yule, Eocene, DNA barcoding, Phylogeny, Biodiversity, Biodiversity and conservation hotspot, Coalescent method, mtDNA, Species delimitation, Diversification patterns, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10261/112283 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100006363 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003329 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100007406 |
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