Molecular evolution and radiation of dung beetles in Madagascar

摘要: Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island and has a wide range of climates ecosystems. Environmental diversity combined with long history isolation (160 Myr) generated high level endemism at different taxonomic levels, making one hotspots global biodiversity. Dung beetles, represented by two tribes Canthonini Helictopleurini, exemplify large insect taxon. Helictopleurini are completely endemic to while generic level. Using data from mitochondrial nuclear genes, phylogenetic relationships were investigated in sample 44 species. The phylogeny for consists several distinct clades, possibly reflecting multiple colonization Madagascar. does not support current taxonomy all genera. lacks statistical supra-specific level, genetic divergence among species comparable that within genera Canthonini. These results suggest undergone rapid speciation most likely more recently than Canthonini, consistent estimated radiation time based on mtDNA mutation rates insects knowledge about systematics geographic distribution dung beetles worldwide. A detailed analysis sequence composition identified common patterns Malagasy other insects. � Willi Hennig Society 2007.