Progress 07/29/20 to 12/13/21
Outputs
PROGRESS REPORT Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1: Develop new and improve existing classifications of agriculturally important beetles based on next-generation sequencing (e.g. , in cooperation with the Ag100Pests Initiative), comparative morphological and bioinformatics analyses, and modern illustration methods. [NP304, C1, PS1A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A and 3B; C4 PS4A and 4B ⿿ Appendix 1] Sub-objective 1.A: Phylogenomic estimate of the leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) phylogeny with particular emphasis on flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini). Sub-objective 1.B: Infer the first phylogenomic hypothesis and revise the generic-level classification of Cossoninae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Objective 2: Generate morphological and molecular diagnostic tools that will allow stakeholders and beneficiaries (e.g. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, state departments of agriculture, foreign and domestic biological control laboratories, researchers, and citizens worldwide) to accurately identify and rank agriculturally important beetles. [NP304, C1, PS1A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A; C4 PS4A and 4B] Sub-objective 2.A: Interactive guide for flea beetle genera of the West Indies. Sub-objective 2.B: Generic reassessment and Illustrated key to Nearctic Baridinae. Objective 3: Curate and expand the U. S. National Beetle Collection to support morphological and molecular research by U.S. scientists and stakeholders worldwide and enhance pest insect diagnostics. [NP304, C3, PS3A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A; C4 PS4A and 4B] Sub-objective 3.A: Curation of the National Leaf Beetle collection. Sub-objective 3.B: Curation of the National Curculionoidea Collection. Objective 4: Provide identifications of beetles, including plant-feeders, wood-borers, and others of agricultural, economic and environmental importance. [NP304, C3, PS3A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A; C4 PS4A and 4B] Approach (from AD-416): To achieve objectives outlined in the plan, beetle taxon sampling will be centered around testing each hypothesis, while making every attempt to include multiple representatives of each rank to recognize the potential phylogenetic effects of contamination and systematic biases. For Chrysomelidae, the largest and most geographically inclusive taxon sample of about 600 genera across all major groups will be assembled. Cossonines from all over the world, including from recent expeditions have been accumulated. For both beetle groups field expeditions to collect missing taxa are planned to Africa, Australia, Central and South America. Variety of techniques and methods will be used for estimating phylogenies: Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit for DNA extraction; PHYLUCE pipeline to increase the success of hybrid capture experiments; PartitionFinder v2 - to determine the best-fit models of evolution and partition scheme according to the Bayesian Information Criterion, ASTRAL-III v5.1.1 with the set of ML gene trees, will be used to estimate the species phylogenies and, finally, as each of our hypotheses is largely taxonomic in scope; we will use our molecular data and estimated gene and species phylogenies to statistically test proposed molecular hypotheses against all other phylogenetic hypotheses that have been published for each focal lineage using the gene genealogical interrogation test (GGI). Taxon sampling for revisionary objectives of the plan are based on the taxonomic literature, museum records, available databases, and include specimens housed at the National Beetle collection (USNM), museum holdings around the world and include field work to fill the gaps in overall sample. Type species of each genus will be the focus to determine ⿿generic level morphological characters. Specimens will be examined for morphological features using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and phase contrast compound microscopy. Finally, morphological data will be used to produce identification tools such as guides, keys, comparative descriptions, and diagnoses. Computerized, interactive identification tools on beetle taxa, developed with the assistance of computer programs such as DELTA and LucID, will be created and disseminated via the Internet. National Beetle collection is maintained and enhanced in accordance with the USNM Collections Management Procedures through field work, donated collections and specimens kept from identifications, which are mounted, labelled or otherwise processed, accessioned, databased, and incorporated into the main collection, both ⿿dry and DNA grade. Identification of beetles submitted by APHIS-PPQ, research and regulatory organizations in the U.S. and abroad is performed using variety of tools available at the USNM, main of which is the National Beetle collection. Identifications are reported using the SEL Identification System (SELIS) and APHIS-PPQ ARM on a daily basis as specimens are intercepted and identified. The information is tracked for decades, which provides critical data for taxonomic research programs in areas such as predictive distribution models for invasive species. This is the final report for 8042-22000-312-00D. For further information (post-PDRAM approval date) see report for project 8042-22000-317-00D. Progress was made in objectives all of which fall under National Program 304, Component 1, Systematics and Identification, Problem Statement 1A, Insects and Mites. In regard to objective 1, ARS researchers in Washington DC (Smithsonian Institution) continued to complete beetle genomic DNA extractions now that the laboratory is open without restrictions. Furthermore, DNA grade beetle tissues were collected and solicitated to improve the taxonomic scope of each sub-objective. In addition to the progress made in the molecular laboratory, ARS researchers were successful in obtaining a grant funded by the USDA-ARS SCINet Higher Performance Computing. The grant will fund a postdoctoral associate for two years to investigate the prevalence of hybridization and introgression in agroecosystems. Both the results and bioinformatic tools developed as part of this grant will improve Objective 1 subsequent studies that are address prevention and control of non-native agriculturally important beetle species using genomic data. Significant progress was made in objective 2. West Indian flea beetle were substantially revised. New genera and species from the subtribe Oedionychina in the West Indies were described, illustrated, and overall revised. A Lucid file for West Indian flea beetles was significantly improved based on the specimens housed at the collection of the West Indian Coleoptera Project (Bozeman, Montana). Images of 15 West Indian flea beetle species were generated and edited for publication quality. A synopsis of Nearctic genera of Cassoninae is in progress. A morphological character study and data matrix is underway for both cossonines and Nearctic baridines; initially focusing on external characters due to constraints. A phylogenetic assessment of the silky cane weevil, Metamasius hemipterus species complex was submitted based on genomic data and work is ongoing on the first assembly of the genome of Metamasius hemipterus. Objective 3 did not see much progress as museum was substantially closed, which prohibited major curation activity. However, DNA grade collection of leaf beetles grew by about 500 records. About 3000 leaf beetle specimens collected over the years in Europe and Asia were mounted, labelled and partially sorted to genera and species. For Objective 4, which falls under National Program 304; Component 3, Insects and Mites; Subcomponent 3B, Natural Ecosystems; Problem Statement 3B1, Early detection and prevention of both invasive and native insect and mite pests. ARS researchers in Beltsville, Maryland (Smithsonian Institution), completed identifications of beetles, including those intercepted at all ports-of-entry into the U.S., and those submitted to the laboratory by universities and agricultural extension agencies, and entered the data in the Systematic Entomology Laboratory Identification System. Large numbers of beetle identifications have been made. In the period from May, 25 2021 to May 25, 2022, 1330 submitted lots were identified, including thousands ⿿urgent, ⿿prompt, and ⿿rush submittals for USDA-APHIS-PPQ of specimens intercepted on perishable commodities at the US. ports of entry. ⿿Urgent identifications (those requiring same day turn-around of specimens intercepted on perishable commodities at ports of entry) have been processed daily as submitted. In addition, ARS researchers submitted a USDA-ARS Innovation Grant to develop an artificial intelligence tool to identify non-native agriculturally important leaf beetles. Specifically, the grant addresses the need for such a tool by focusing on the leaf beetle genus Epitrix, which contains quarantine species that threaten many U.S. agricultural commodities such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 01 Understanding ⿿Masquerade Mechanism of Pest Flea Beetles. Flea beetles are plant feeders that belong to a highly diverse group of about 9,900 species, many of which are serious pests and feed on crops and destroy valuable plants and cost millions of dollars annually. Most flea beetles live, feed, and procreate on the upper leaf surface of their host plants, thus making them vulnerable to numerous predators, including birds, ants, and spiders. To avoid these predators, beetles evolved masquerade mimicry - a close resemblance to innocuous, unprofitable decoy objects of their own manufacture, i.e. their own feeding damage. ARS researchers in Washington, DC in collaboration with biologists and statisticians at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) analyzed evolutionary drivers of beetle masquerade. Study of bipartite networks of feeding interactions (beetle species and their host plants of French fauna) revealed that the evolutionary origin of flea beetles masquerading can be partially explained by two hypotheses: (1) the type of leaf tissue is the primary determinant of the color and size of beetle species feeding on them and (2) morphological characteristics of the beetle explain the damage pattern, because beetle species evolve ways to produce feeding damage that matches its own characteristics. Understanding evolutionary strategies used by beetle pests to avoid predation helps to find effective measures to control them. 02 Cossoninae Classification. As part of ongoing work on the subfamily Cossoninae, a group that has not been systematically studied since the mid-1800s, a new species was discovered and described that represents a significant range extension for the genus Halorhynchus. This discovery sheds light into the extraordinary ability of cossonine weevils to disperse over vast transoceanic distances and suggests possible higher- level synonymy in the subfamily.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- De Oliveria, D., Linzmeier, A.M., Konstantinov, A.S. 2021. Discovery of the first leaf litter inhabiting flea beetles in Brazil (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) with description of two new genera and three new species. Zootaxa. 5068(1):99-114. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa. 5068.1.4.
- Kaminski, M., Smith, A., Kanda, K., Iwan, D., Kergoat, G. 2021. Old origin for an European-African amphitropical disjunction pattern? New insights from a case study on wingless darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Dendarini). Journal of Biogeography. 49:1-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi. 14288.
- Weber, D.C., Konstantinov, A.S., Khrimian, A., Bier, A.D., Lubenow, L., Knodel, J., Haber, A.I., Wallingford, A.K., Mason, J., Kuhar, T. 2022. Trapping of crucifer flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)(Coleoptera: chrysomelidae) with pheromones and plant kairomones. Journal of Economic Entomology. 115:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toac042.
- Folgar-Camean, Y., Gomez-Rodriguez, C., Konstantinov, A.S., Baselga, A. 2021. Hiding among holes: mechanisms underlying the evolution of masquerade in flea beetles (Chrysomelidae). Journal of Animal Ecology. 47(2):137-145. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.13096.
- Damaska, A., Konstantinov, A.S., Fikacek, M. 2022. Multiple origins of moss-inhabiting flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): molecular phylogeny, overview of genera and a new genus from Africa. ZooKeys. 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab112.
- Chamorro, M.L., Steiner Jr., W.E., Andriamasimanana, R. 2022. A new species of the Australian Halorhynchus from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Cossoninae, Onycholipini) informs cossonine classification. ZooKeys. 1100:103-116. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1100.75987.
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Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1: Develop new and improve existing classifications of agriculturally important beetles based on next-generation sequencing (e.g. , in cooperation with the Ag100Pests Initiative), comparative morphological and bioinformatics analyses, and modern illustration methods. [NP304, C1, PS1A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A and 3B; C4 PS4A and 4B � Appendix 1] Sub-objective 1.A: Phylogenomic estimate of the leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) phylogeny with particular emphasis on flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini). Sub-objective 1.B: Infer the first phylogenomic hypothesis and revise the generic-level classification of Cossoninae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Objective 2: Generate morphological and molecular diagnostic tools that will allow stakeholders and beneficiaries (e.g. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, state departments of agriculture, foreign and domestic biological control laboratories, researchers, and citizens worldwide) to accurately identify and rank agriculturally important beetles. [NP304, C1, PS1A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A; C4 PS4A and 4B] Sub-objective 2.A: Interactive guide for flea beetle genera of the West Indies. Sub-objective 2.B: Generic reassessment and Illustrated key to Nearctic Baridinae. Objective 3: Curate and expand the U. S. National Beetle Collection to support morphological and molecular research by U.S. scientists and stakeholders worldwide and enhance pest insect diagnostics. [NP304, C3, PS3A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A; C4 PS4A and 4B] Sub-objective 3.A: Curation of the National Leaf Beetle collection. Sub-objective 3.B: Curation of the National Curculionoidea Collection. Objective 4: Provide identifications of beetles, including plant-feeders, wood-borers, and others of agricultural, economic and environmental importance. [NP304, C3, PS3A; C2, PS2B; C3, PS3A; C4 PS4A and 4B] Approach (from AD-416): To achieve objectives outlined in the plan, beetle taxon sampling will be centered around testing each hypothesis, while making every attempt to include multiple representatives of each rank to recognize the potential phylogenetic effects of contamination and systematic biases. For Chrysomelidae, the largest and most geographically inclusive taxon sample of about 600 genera across all major groups will be assembled. Cossonines from all over the world, including from recent expeditions have been accumulated. For both beetle groups field expeditions to collect missing taxa are planned to Africa, Australia, Central and South America. Variety of techniques and methods will be used for estimating phylogenies: Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit for DNA extraction; PHYLUCE pipeline to increase the success of hybrid capture experiments; PartitionFinder v2 - to determine the best-fit models of evolution and partition scheme according to the Bayesian Information Criterion, ASTRAL-III v5.1.1 with the set of ML gene trees, will be used to estimate the species phylogenies and, finally, as each of our hypotheses is largely taxonomic in scope; we will use our molecular data and estimated gene and species phylogenies to statistically test proposed molecular hypotheses against all other phylogenetic hypotheses that have been published for each focal lineage using the gene genealogical interrogation test (GGI). Taxon sampling for revisionary objectives of the plan are based on the taxonomic literature, museum records, available databases, and include specimens housed at the National Beetle collection (USNM), museum holdings around the world and include field work to fill the gaps in overall sample. Type species of each genus will be the focus to determine �generic level� morphological characters. Specimens will be examined for morphological features using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and phase contrast compound microscopy. Finally, morphological data will be used to produce identification tools such as guides, keys, comparative descriptions, and diagnoses. Computerized, interactive identification tools on beetle taxa, developed with the assistance of computer programs such as DELTA and LucID, will be created and disseminated via the Internet. National Beetle collection is maintained and enhanced in accordance with the USNM Collections Management Procedures through field work, donated collections and specimens kept from identifications, which are mounted, labelled or otherwise processed, accessioned, databased, and incorporated into the main collection, both �dry� and DNA grade. Identification of beetles submitted by APHIS-PPQ, research and regulatory organizations in the U.S. and abroad is performed using variety of tools available at the USNM, main of which is the National Beetle collection. Identifications are reported using the SEL Identification System (SELIS) and APHIS-PPQ ARM on a daily basis as specimens are intercepted and identified. The information is tracked for decades, which provides critical data for taxonomic research programs in areas such as predictive distribution models for invasive species. Progress was made in objectives, which fall under National Program 304, Component 1, Systematics and Identification, Problem Statement 1A, Insects and Mites. In regard to objective 1, ARS researchers in Washington, D.C., (Smithsonian Institution) completed half the DNA extractions for the leaf beetles. Furthermore, DNA grade beetle tissues were collected and solicited to improve the taxonomic scope of each sub-objective. Important taxa included in the molecular sample were identified, including genera collected in Bolivia in 2013 and material received from the California Department of Food and Agriculture that was collected in Africa and Madagascar. In addition to the progress made in the molecular laboratory, ARS researchers were successful in obtaining a grant funded by the USDA- ARS Partnership Potato Program. The grant will fund both a genome and population genomic study of a vector of the Potato leafroll virus. The data and bioinformatic tools developed as part of this grant will improve Objective 1 subsequent studies that address prevention and control of non- native agriculturally important beetle species using genomic data. Significant progress was made in objective 2. West Indian flea beetle was substantially revised. New genera and species inhabiting moss cushions in the West Indies were described and illustrated. Overall, flea beetle classification was improved by synonymizing seven genera, which species were misplaced by researchers over the past 20 years. An updated catalog of flea beetles of the entire Palearctic biogeographic region was prepared for publication. Dates of publication of species described in the 19th century were corrected based on newly discovered bibliographies. Databases for Cossoninae (Taxonworks) and Baridinae (Mantis/Taxonworks) have been initiated. A preliminary atlas of cossonine and Nearctic genera is in the works with several collaborators. Baridine Genbank sequences are being analyzed to infer relationships. A morphological character study and matrix is underway for both cossonines and Nearctic baridines; initially focusing on external characters due to constraints (access to the collection). A new anophthalmous psammophilous species from Madagascar of the Australian cossonines genus Halorhynchus is being described, and a synopsis and the first illustrated key to cossonine tribes of the World is in preparation. I was invited to collaborate on a study of cossonine weevils of Palmyra. Objective 3 did not see much progress as the museum was substantially closed, which prohibited major curation activity. However, the DNA grade collection of leaf beetles grew by about 200 records. About 3000 leaf beetle specimens collected over the years in Europe and Asia were mounted, labeled , and partially sorted into genera and species. For Objective 4, which falls under National Program 304; Component 3, Insects and Mites; Subcomponent 3B, Natural Ecosystems; Problem Statement 3B1, Early detection and prevention of both invasive and native insect and mite pests. ARS researchers in Beltsville, Maryland, (Smithsonian Institution) completed identification of beetles, including those intercepted at all ports-of-entry into the U.S., and those submitted to the laboratory by universities and agricultural extension agencies entered the data in the Systematic Entomology Laboratory Identification System. Large numbers of beetle identifications have been made. In the period from September 30, 2020 to October 1, 2021, 7,154 submitted lots containing 15,199 specimens were identified, including thousands �urgent�, �prompt�, and �rush� submittals for USDA-APHIS-PPQ of specimens intercepted on perishable commodities in the U.S. ports of entry. �Urgent� identifications (those requiring same-day turn-around of specimens intercepted on perishable commodities at ports of entry) have been processed daily as submitted. In addition, ARS researchers submitted a USDA-ARS Innovation Grant to develop an artificial intelligence tool to identify non-native agriculturally important leaf beetles. Specifically, the grant addresses the need for such a tool by focusing on the leaf beetle genus Epitrix, which contains quarantine species that threaten many U.S. agricultural commodities such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants. Record of Any Impact of Maximized Teleworking Requirement: Maximized telework has greatly impacted Coleoptera projects. Positive: Maximized telework helped in the following ways: the ability to work uninterrupted on at least four manuscripts as well as on revisions of previously submitted papers. Among these manuscripts is a 150+ page paper on the weevils of the Hawaiian Islands that requires extensive cross-referencing and verification of information available digitally. Time was used to implement into workflow the reference software Endnote that requires substantial initial time-consuming data-entry but has major payoffs going forward as citations are integrated and tracked as you write. Processing more than a terabyte worth of images of weevils was also possible during this time. These images will be used in publications and identification tools. Furthermore, an instructional video on various curation methods was developed for the training of future collections staff and volunteers. This required learning a new video editing software. Negative: All Coleoptera molecular research has ceased because of maximum telework due to the inability to access the NMNH Laboratory of Analytical Biology. Furthermore, due to the maximum telework status and inability to access the laboratory, some reagents will have to be replaced because they have expired. In addition, molecular laboratory supply orders are difficult to obtain in a timely fashion since many laboratories are using these consumables for pandemic purposes. Inability to access the collection/office/lab has halted the progress of aspects of my research that deal with the examination and dissection of specimens. The inability to travel to collect specimens and study weevil collections in Europe has also impacted progress. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 01 Cossonine Weevil Resources. Developed and oversees a faunal digitization project and publication of an annotated catalog to the weevils of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii is home to several rare and endemic cossonine weevils. These resources aim to provide comprehensive identification baseline data for all 450 native and non-native weevil species of the Hawaiian Archipelago. This combined digital aggregator and print catalog is the single source of data currently available to determine potential invasive species in the South Pacific and is invaluable to State, Federal, Private, and University collaborators. This resource assists with conservation management efforts to protect and monitor the vulnerable local weevil fauna, especially endemic bark beetles and cossonines, while attempting to control and manage the invasive Coffee Berry Borer and other invasive species in Hawaii. 02 Discovering, Documenting, and Classifying Pestiferous Flea Beetles. The flea beetles are plant feeders that belong to a hyper-diverse group of about 9,900 species, many of which are serious pests and feed on crops destroying valuable plants costing U.S. economy millions of dollars annually. ARS researchers in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with researchers in Brazil, India, and the Netherlands, studied historical beetle collections in Europe and North America and conducted field investigations in Brazil, India, and the West Indies. The subsequent in- depth examination of obtained beetle specimens resulted in significant changes in flea beetle classification. New classification combines species previously considered unrelated and belonging to distant generic groups under fewer generic names. Beetles previously unknown to science have been properly described, documented, and illustrated. They are incorporated into an improved classification, making it more inclusive, logical, anduser-friendly and assures easy access to the information on beetle relationships and other biological traits. Improved classification will be an important tool for agricultural scientists, practitioners, biological control researchers, and anybody interested in plant-feeding beetles.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Giron, J.C., Chamorro, M.L. 2020. Variability and distribution of the golden-headed weevil Compsus auricephalus (Say) (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Eustylini). Biodiversity Data Journal. 8(e55454):1-50.
- Florio, J., Veru, L., Dao, A., Yaro, S.A., Diallo, M., Sonogo, L.Z., Djibril, S., Huestis, D., Ousman, Y., Talamas, E.T., Chamorro, M.L., Frank, H., Biondi, M., Bartlett, C., Strobach, U., Linton, Y., Chapman, E., Reynolds, D., Fairman, R., Krajacich, B., Weetman, D., Donnelly, M., Lehmann, T. 2020. Massive windborne migration of Sahelian insects: diversity, seasonality, altitude, and direction. Ecography. 10(20523):1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77196-7.
- Chamorro, M.L., De Medeiros, B., Farrell, B.D. 2021. First phylogenetic analysis of Dryophthorinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) based on structural alignment of ribosomal DNA reveals Cenozoic diversification. Ecology and Evolution. 11(5):1984-1998. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7131.
- Chamorro, M.L. 2020. Death of a tribe: transfer of Onychius Chapuis to Rhyncolini Gistel and synonymy of Onychiini Chapuis with Rhyncolini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Cossoninae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 122(3):750-756. https://doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797. 122.3.750.
- Konstantinov, A.S. 2021. Flea beetles of the West Indies: new combinations and new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini). Journal of Insect Biodiversity. 25(1):1-27. https://doi.org/10.12976/jib/ 2021.25.1.1.
- Sokolov, I.M. 2021. A new subterranean species of Anillinus Casey (Carabidae, Trechinae, Anillini) from Florida. Subterranean Biology. 39:33- 44. https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.39.65769.
- Konstantinov, A.S. 2021. Flea beetles of the West Indies: genus Hemilactica Blake, 1937 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini). ZooKeys. 1044:589-607. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1044.62632.
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