Integrative taxonomy – Parthenogenetic radiations and ‘species’ delimitation using multimodal data

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Michael Heethoff
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 434797100

Most of the existing animal species are described based on their morphology (morphospecies). Such morphospecies, however, often consist of several genetically separated populations (cryptic species complexes, CSCs). Integrative taxonomy aims at the delineation and naming of distinct species from such CSCs by using and combining more than one kind of data (multimodal data; e.g., morphological, chemical, molecular). CSCs are assumed to be especially common in phylogenetic groups with a comparably simple morphology (e.g., many micro-arthropods) or groups where the morphology is under strong selection. The reproductive mode (sexual vs. parthenogenetic) also influences rates of character evolution/diversity and speciation. This project has two main objectives – (1) How can multimodal data (molecular, morphological, chemical) help to detect and describe distinct species in CSCs of micro-arthropods? (2) How does the reproductive mode (sexual vs. parthenogenetic) influence character diversification and the amount of CSCs in oribatid mites?With a high number of co-existing sexual and (many ancient) parthenogenetic species, multiple events of parthenogenetic radiations, and a demonstrated high amount of CSCs, oribatid mites (especially the Crotoniidae) represent an ideal model system to approach these general questions. We will generate datasets from 18 different presumable CSCs of sexual and parthenogenetic oribatid mite morphospecies from the Crotoniidae (>1000 individuals). Molecular barcoding data (mitochondrial cox1, nuclear ribosomal D3 region), chemical profiles of complex exocrine oil gland secretions (hydrocarbons, aromatics and terpenes), and morphological characters (mostly qualitative and quantitative chaetotaxy) will be included for each specimen.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants