Search for: All records

A new species from the genus Cephalodesmius Westwood (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) is described from the Cental Mackay Coast bioregion, Queensland extending the northern range of the genus. Cephalodesmius carminya Ebert & Gunter new species is known from two localities in the Pine Mountain, Carminya Forest Reserve and 2.5 km west of Eungella dam. A key to the four species of Cephalodesmius is provided and we discuss morphological similarities between Cephalodesmius and its closest relative Canthonosoma Macleay. 

Abstract Decaying wood, while an abundant and stable resource, presents considerable nutritional challenges due to its structural rigidity, chemical recalcitrance, and low nitrogen content. Despite these challenges, certain insect lineages have successfully evolved saproxylophagy (consuming and deriving sustenance from decaying wood), impacting nutrient recycling in ecosystems and carbon sequestration dynamics. This study explores the uneven phylogenetic distribution of saproxylophagy across insects and delves into the evolutionary origins of this trait in disparate insect orders. Employing a comprehensive analysis of gut microbiome data, from both saproxylophagous insects and their non‐saproxylophagous relatives, including new data from unexplored wood‐feeding insects, this Hypothesis paper discusses the broader phylogenetic context and potential adaptations necessary for this dietary specialization. The study proposes the “Detritivore‐First Hypothesis,” suggesting an evolutionary pathway to saproxylophagy through detritivory, and highlights the critical role of symbiotic gut microbiomes in the digestion of decaying wood. 

Abstract Tailoring ultraconserved element (UCE) probe set design to focal taxa has been demonstrated to improve locus recovery and phylogenomic inference. However, beyond conducting expensive in vitro testing, it remains unclear how best to determine whether an existing UCE probe set is likely to suffice for phylogenomic inference or whether tailored probe design will be desirable. Here we investigate the utility of 8 different UCE probe sets for the in silico phylogenomic inference of scarabaeoid beetles. Probe sets tested differed in terms of (i) how phylogenetically distant from Scarabaeoidea taxa those used during probe design are, (ii) breadth of phylogenetic inference probe set was designed for, and (iii) method of probe design. As part of this study, 2 new UCE probe sets are produced for the beetle family Scarabaeidae and superfamily Hydrophiloidea. We confirm that probe set utility decreases with increasing phylogenetic distance from target taxa. In addition, narrowing the phylogenetic breadth of probe design decreases the phylogenetic capture range. We also confirm previous findings regarding ways to optimize UCE probe design. Finally, we make suggestions regarding assessment of need for de novo probe design. 

The monotypic genus Oficanthon Paulian, 1985 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) is treated as a junior synonym of the genus Lepanus Balthasar, 1966, and L. mirabilis (Paulian, 1985), new combination is proposed for Oficanthon mirabilis Paulian, 1985. Both morphological and molecular evidence support this synonymy. Morphological evidence further supports its placement within the Lepanus ustulatus species group. Lepanus mirabilis is redescribed.