The bee-beetles‘ evolution

The genus of the bee-beetles (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Trichodes) occur in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. They have colourful upper wings and are thus easy to recognize. The mostly red and black markings are thought to avert predators and may represent a typical case of mimicry, or more precisely, the feigning of poisonousness. The assumption came up because species from a genus of oil beetles (Meloidae), which is in contrast to the bee beetles actually poisonous due to its cantharidin content, look deceptively similar. However, this has never been proven and will be elucidated in this project. This will involve the reconstruction of the evolutionary lineages of the bee beetle species, which will then be chronologically dated with fossils. If the times of origin of similar wing colouration patterns of both genera are similar, this gives a good indication of co-evolution. To also infer the necessary spatial proximity, the distributions of the ancestors of both genera are reconstructed based on the distribution of contemporary species. This also enables the consolidation of biogeographical theories. Thus, new insights are expected as to why the Middle East is so rich in species of bee beetles. This may be because the genus originated there and many species persisted there, or because distribution ranges of species from the African, Asian and European continents meet there. The findings can be compared with those of other species groups and thus advance the formulation of general statements. State-of-the-art methods are used to achieve these goals. As collecting specimens becomes more difficult politically, DNA is extracted from animals in museum collections, which so far still presents challenges. Measurement of wing patterns will also be more accurate than previously by using 3D-models. In summary, the project aims to comprehensively elucidate the evolution of bee beetles, thereby advancing the promising use of historical DNA and new morphometric methods.