Evolution of subterranean ground beetles in the West Palearctic

• Applicant: Dr. Michael Balke
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2011 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 212165124

Cave animals early fascinated evolutionists, and separation and isolation in caves lead to levels of speciation comparable to those in insular ecosystems. Cave species usually share characteristics such as anophthalmy, elongation of appendages, depigmentation or -in many insects- apterism. Such highly modified morphology often masks phylogenetic affinities. Evolutionary history and speciation mechanisms responsible forextant patterns of subterranean biodiversity are therefore impossible to elucidate solely based on morphological characters. We use a group of Carabidae beetles (Trechini) to study speciation patterns and evolution In the subterranean environment, and the morphological modifications resulting from them. Trechini cave beetles belong to one ofthe most speciose radiations of subterranean fauna ofthe world and include some ofthe morphologically most modified troglobitic invertebrates. We now focus on the Alps and other karst massives of continental west Europe, where the group is particularly well represented. We combine molecular and morphological approaches, in order to place the highly modified troglobitic genera of Trechini in a comprehensive phylogeny, compare subterranean evolution with the well documented Pyrenean radiations and enlight causes and modalities of subterranean evolution in terrestrial invertebrates.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Arnaud Faille, Ph.D.