WKU News

Title:  Phylogeography and molecular systematics of the trechine cave beetle genera Darlingtonea and Neaphaenops"

Summary:  Though known to be closely related, the relationships among the genera, the numerous species, and species groups of cave-specialized carabid beetles of the Eastern United States are poorly understood. The current taxonomy is based solely on morphology and preliminary data indicates a high likelihood of morphological convergence. Hence our knowledge on the diversity and evolution of this clade is rudimentary at best.  A cutting edge approach using a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method is proposed; a double digest restriction site associated DNA (dd-RAD) method will result in a huge diversity of markers from numerous individuals. For a pilot study, the focus will be on two Kentucky genera, Darlingtonea and Neaphaenops. This project should reveal populations that represent cryptic but isolated species, an important aspect when conservation of highly endemic cave biotas is a goal. Also estimation of lineage divergence times and the phylogeography of the region will be discovered via haplotypes and diversification analyses within and among the various populations. Cave connectivity can also be revealed via this genetic study.