Molecular techniques for studying systematics and phylogeny of Chrysomelidae

Abstract

Chrysomelidae, one of the largest beetle families, contains some 37,000 described species divided into 19 subfamilies and over 2,000 genera (Jolivet et al., 1988). A common feature of this family is its phytophagous feeding habit which is shared by the beetle families Curculionidae, Cerambycidae and Bruchidae. The importance of Chrysomelidae in pure and applied entomology has stimulated considerable interest in taxonomic and systematic studies. Several recent symposia and books have concerned the bio-systematics and biology of this important beetle family (First and Second International Symposia of Chrysomelidae, see Furth & Seeno, 1985, 1989; Jolivet et al., 1988). Phylogenetic relationships within Chrysomelidae and between related phytophagous beetle families have also been the subject of considerable discussion (Hennig, 1981; Crowson, 1981; Chen, 1985; Jolivet, 1988; Jolivet et al., 1988). Morphological and anatomical traits are traditionally used for systematic treatments of various taxa. Studies of phylogenetic origin and divergence among taxa have been hindered by the lack of fossil records for Chrysomelidae and related beetle families and, increasingly, biological data have been employed to elucidate the relationships between taxa. Thus, life history traits, biogeography, cytogenetics, host plant associations, behavior, and biochemical profiles have been used to delineate phylogenetic relationships in selected taxa.