Phylogeny of the tribe Cyclocephalini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae): a combined analysis of morphology and molecular loci

Abstract

Phylogenetics provides information about evolutionary relationships and is an essential tool in understanding broad patterns within groups. The scarab beetle tribe Cyclocephalini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) includes 15 genera and approximately 500 species that are distributed primarily in the New World. Species in the group are important pollinators of aroids, palms, and lilies; some are agricultural pests; and a few have become invasive when introduced to new areas. This group as a whole has only been examined alpha taxonomically. While individual species of economic importance have been studied, the monophyly of the tribe and relationships of genera have not been addressed. Using molecular and morphological methods, my research will be the first to examine the phylogeny for this tribe of beetles.