@article {Moore20142435, title = {Explosive Adaptive Radiation and Extreme Phenotypic Diversity within Ant-Nest Beetles}, journal = {Current Biology}, volume = {24}, number = {20}, year = {2014}, pages = {2435 - 2439}, abstract = {Summary Ant-nest beetles (Paussus) are the quintessential Trojan horses of the insect world. They hack the complex communication system of ants, allowing them to blend into the ant society and be treated as royalty, all the while preying upon the ants and the ants{\textquoteright} brood and duping the ants into rearing their young [1{\textendash}3]. Here we present results of the first molecular-based phylogeny of ant-nest beetles, which reveals that~this symbiosis has produced one of the most stunning examples of rapid adaptive radiation documented to date. The most recent ancestor of a Paussus clade endemic to Madagascar is only 2.6 million years old. This species gave rise to a remarkably phenotypically diverse clade of 86 extant species with a net diversification interval of 0.38{\textendash}0.81 million years, a rate of radiation faster than classic textbook examples of large, recent, rapid radiations such as Anolis lizards on Caribbean islands, cichlids of the East African Great Lakes, finches on the Gal{\'a}pagos Islands, and Drosophila and tetragnathid spiders on the Hawaiian Islands [4{\textendash}8]. In order for Paussus to adapt to a new host ant species, the beetle{\textquoteright}s ability to perceive, deceive, and communicate with the new host must evolve quickly and in synchrony in both the larval and adult life stages, resulting in unusually strong selective pressure levied by their host ants. Data on host associations suggest that the history of host shifts may help explain both the striking phenotypic diversity within the Malagasy radiation and the evolution of phenotypically similar yet distantly related species in Madagascar and Africa.}, issn = {0960-9822}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2014.09.022}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982214011439}, author = {Wendy Moore and James~A. Robertson} } @article {9, title = {DNA Extraction from Dry Museum Beetles without Conferring External Morphological Damage}, journal = {PLoS ONEPLoS ONE}, volume = {2}, year = {2007}, month = {2007/03/07}, pages = {e272 - }, publisher = {Public Library of Science}, abstract = {Background

A large number of dry-preserved insect specimens exist in collections around the world that might be useful for genetic analyses. However, until now, the recovery of nucleic acids from such specimens has involved at least the partial destruction of the specimen. This is clearly undesirable when dealing with rare species or otherwise important specimens, such as type specimens.

Methodology

We describe a method for the extraction of PCR-amplifiable mitochondrial and nuclear DNA from dry insects without causing external morphological damage. Using PCR to amplify ≈220 bp of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I, and 250{\textendash}345 bp fragments of the multi-copy, nuclear 28s ribosomal DNA gene, we demonstrate the efficacy of this method on beetles collected up to 50 years ago.

Conclusions

This method offers a means of obtaining useful genetic information from rare insects without conferring external morphological damage.

}, url = {http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0000272}, author = {Gilbert, M. Thomas P. and Moore, Wendy and Melchior, Linea and Worobey, Michael} } @article {AEN:AEN698, title = {The first known larva of the Australian genus Mystropomus Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Paussinae)}, journal = {Australian Journal of Entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {2}, year = {2009}, pages = {140{\textendash}148}, publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Asia}, abstract = {The monogeneric subtribe Mystropomina Chaudoir (Carabidae: Paussinae: Ozaenini) contains two species endemic to Australia: Mystropomus subcostatus Chaudoir and Mystropomus regularis B{\"a}nninger. In this paper, we describe and illustrate the larva of M. subcostatus providing the first larval description in this subtribe, thereby filling an important gap in our knowledge of paussine larval morphology. We compare the structural features of this larva with the other known larvae in the subfamily and provide an identification key to larvae of Australian paussine genera. We find no external structural features that indicate that this larva lives with ants, as do many other members of the carabid beetle subfamily Paussinae.}, keywords = {Australia, flanged bombardier beetle, Mystropomus, Ozaenini}, issn = {1440-6055}, doi = {10.1111/j.1440-6055.2009.00698.x}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-6055.2009.00698.x}, author = {Di Giulio, Andrea and Moore, Wendy} } @article {Moore2008, title = {Phylogeny of the Western Hemisphere Ozaenini (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Paussinae) based on DNA sequence data}}, journal = {Annals of Carnegie Museum}, volume = {77}, number = {1}, year = {2008}, pages = {79{\textendash}92}, abstract = {

Western Hemisphere species of bombardier beetles in the carabid tribe Ozaenini are distributed from southern Arizona and southern Texas to southern Chile, with more than 80\% of described species being endemic to the tropics. Recent taxonomic works variously classify the 145 described species into six or 17 genera, indicating general disagreement on what constitutes natural lineages in the group. This study provides the first phylogenetic analysis of the Western Hemisphere Ozaenini using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. In the resulting trees, the following three suprageneric clades are supported by high bootstrap and posterior probability values: the Ozaena group (Ozaena Olivier + Platycerozaena Bnninger + Goniotropis Gray), the Tropopsis group (Tropopsis Solier + Entomoantyx Ball and McCleve), and the Pachyteles group (Pachyteles Perty + Physea Brull + Tachypeles Deuve + Inflatozaena Deuve + Fificerozaena Deuve + Proozaena Deuve + Serratozaena Deuve). Close relationship among genera within the Ozaena group, and among genera within the Pachyteles group were not predicted and have not previously been hypothesized. Among the most surprising results is that Pachyteles (sensu lato) and Goniotropis are not sister groups, but rather represent well-defined and distantly related clades. The phylogeny inferred from molecular sequence data led to discovery of morphological characters unique to the Pachyteles group that clearly distinguish members of Pachyteles (sensu lato) from Goniotropis. These morphological characters are described and illustrated. Results provide evidence for polyphyly of the genera Pachyleles, Tachypeles and Goniotropis as they are currently defined. Adults of Tachypeles moretianus Deuve and Serratozaena Deuve are reported for the first time to be myrmecophilous.

}, issn = {00974463}, doi = {10.2992/0097-4463-77.1.79}, url = {http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.2992/0097-4463-77.1.79}, author = {Moore, Wendy} } @article {5, title = {Functional structure of antennal sensilla in the myrmecophilous beetle Paussus favieri (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussini).}, journal = {Micron}, volume = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Jun}, pages = {705-19}, abstract = {

The evolution of a myrmecophilous lifestyle in beetles is often associated with morphological alterations. In particular, the antennae of all members of the myrmecophilous ground beetle tribe Paussini are greatly modified, with flagellomeres flattened or crassate, frequently reduced in number from 9 to 5 or even 1 single "antennal club". The enhanced glandular function of the antennal club has been recently described by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy in Paussus favieri Fairmaire, 1851, where the antenna has become a complex glandular organ, supplying rewarding substances to the ants. In the present work, the antennal sensilla of P. favieri are investigated by SEM, TEM and focused ion beam (FIB/SEM) technology. Most sensilla of scape and antennal club are highly modified mechanoreceptors (i.e. multipointed, fringed, branched, brush-like, sickle-shaped), singly or grouped in tufts ("antennal symphilous organs"). These "trichomes", here assigned to 8 different morphotypes of sensilla chaetica (Ch.1-Ch.8), show a variable number of basal pores (present also at the base of the taste sensilla Ch.9), which spread dense substances of unknown chemical composition on the seta. Although hygro-, thermo- and chemoreceptors are reduced in number as compared with non-myrmecophilous relatives, and mainly relegated to the apex of the antennal club, their diversity is comparable to that of other carabid beetles: two types of sensilla trichodea (Tr.1-Tr.2); three types of basiconica (Ba.1-Ba.3); one type of campaniformia (Ca); one type of coeloconica (Co) and one type of B{\"o}hm sensilla (Bo). Contrary to the hypothesis that Paussus species lack a Johston{\textquoteright}s organ, a non-connective chordotonal organ composed of 9 groups of scolopidia has been found inside the pedicel. A comparison between sensilla of P. favieri and those of other non-myrmecophilous and myrmecophilous ground beetle species is provided.

}, keywords = {Animals, Arthropod Antennae, Beetles, Female, Male, Sensilla}, issn = {1878-4291}, doi = {10.1016/j.micron.2011.10.013}, author = {Di Giulio, Andrea and Maurizi, Emanuela and Stacconi, Marco Valerio Rossi and Romani, Roberto} } @article {6, title = {Fine structure of the antennal glands of the ant nest beetle Paussus favieri (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussini).}, journal = {Arthropod Struct Dev}, volume = {38}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Jul}, pages = {293-302}, abstract = {

The antennae of the ant nest beetle Paussus favieri are studied by using both SEM and TEM. In the myrmecophilous genus Paussus, these structures are composed of three joints: scape, pedicel and a wide third joint, the "antennal club", resulting from the fusion of antennomeres A3-A11 (flagellum). The antennal club shows an exceptional glandular activity, with the presence of pores mostly crowded in special hairless cuticular areas, surrounding the base of single setae, grouped at the base of tufts of setae, or positioned inside deep pockets that store the secretions, with filiform material arising from them. The surface of A1 and A3 are covered by mechanoreceptors, modified to spread the glandular exudates, while the chemoreceptors are restricted to the apex of the club. The fine structural analysis shows a great number of antennal glands, that can be referred to three main typologies: type A (GhA) bi-cellular, composed of a large secretory cell and a small duct cell, positioned close to the antennal surface; type B (GhB), tri-cellular, composed of two secretory cells and one duct cell, less frequent and positioned deep inside the antennal club; type C (GhC), rare, located deeply within the antennal lumen, in the vicinity of the trophocytes. This complexity indicates that more than one substance could be released from the antennae. Possible functional aspects of the secretions dealing with symbiotic interaction with the host ants are discussed.

}, keywords = {Animals, Ants, Beetles, Endocrine Glands, Female, Male, Mechanoreceptors, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Morocco, Symbiosis}, issn = {1873-5495}, doi = {10.1016/j.asd.2009.01.001}, author = {Di Giulio, Andrea and Rossi Stacconi, Marco Valerio and Romani, Roberto} } @article {4, title = {Spray aiming in bombardier beetles: jet deflection by the coanda effect.}, journal = {Science}, volume = {215}, year = {1982}, month = {1982 Jan 1}, pages = {83-5}, abstract = {

Bombardier beetles of the carabid subfamily Paussinae have a pair of flanges, diagnostic for the group, that project outward from the sides of the body. Behind each flange is a gland opening, from which the beetles discharge a hot, quinone-containing secretion when disturbed. The flanges are curved and grooved and serve as launching guides for anteriorly aimed ejections of secretion. Jets of fluid, on emergence from the gland openings, follow the curvature of the flanges and are thereby bent sharply in their trajectory and directed forward. The phenomenon is illustrative of the Coanda effect, widely applicable in engineering and responsible for the familiar tendency of liquids to curve around spouts and down the front of containers when being poured.

}, issn = {0036-8075}, doi = {10.1126/science.215.4528.83}, author = {Eisner, T and Aneshansley, D J} } @article {3, title = {The larva of Eustra (Coleoptera, Paussinae, Ozaenini):a facultative associate of ants.}, journal = {Zookeys}, year = {2011}, month = {2011}, pages = {63-82}, abstract = {

Larvae of the ground beetle genus Eustra Schmidt-Goebel are described and illustrated for the first time and some biological notes are reported. One specimen of an unknown Eustra species was collected while excavating a nest of the ant Pachycondyla javana Mayr, in Taiwan, which is the first report of a paussine associated with a member of the ant subfamily Ponerinae. Several larvae and adults of a second species, Eustra chinensis B{\"a}nninger, were collected in Shanghai under bark with no association with ants. First instar larvae of the latter species were also reared in the lab. The occurrence of larvae of the genus Eustra both inside and outside ant nests, together with a report of adults collected inside a nest in Taiwan, suggests that members of this genus may be facultative predators or facultative symbionts of ants, an attribute that has never been reported for this genus. The larvae of Eustra show several unique features, including a peculiar bidentate mandibular apex, an extremely long galea, one of two tarsal claws greatly reduced, abdominal setae (including those of terminal disk) elongate and clavate at apex, urogomphi wide and flattened, and inflated sensilla S-I. Larvae were studied by both optical and scanning electron microscopy, their morphological features are compared with those of other described Paussinae larvae, and their potential phylogenetic and functional significance are discussed.

}, issn = {1313-2970}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.90.1136}, author = {Moore, Wendy and Song, Xiao-Bin and Di Giulio, Andrea} } @article {2, title = {A review of myrmecophily in ant nest beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Paussinae): linking early observations with recent findings.}, journal = {Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {94}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Nov}, pages = {871-94}, abstract = {

Myrmecophily provides various examples of how social structures can be overcome to exploit vast and well-protected resources. Ant nest beetles (Paussinae) are particularly well suited for ecological and evolutionary considerations in the context of association with ants because life habits within the subfamily range from free-living and predatory in basal taxa to obligatory myrmecophily in derived Paussini. Adult Paussini are accepted in the ant society, although parasitising the colony by preying on ant brood. Host species mainly belong to the ant families Myrmicinae and Formicinae, but at least several paussine genera are not host-specific. Morphological adaptations, such as special glands and associated tufts of hair (trichomes), characterise Paussini as typical myrmecophiles and lead to two different strategical types of body shape: while certain Paussini rely on the protective type with less exposed extremities, other genera access ant colonies using glandular secretions and trichomes (symphile type). We compare these adaptations with other taxonomic groups of insects by joining contemporary research and early sources and discuss the possibility of an attracting or appeasing effect of the secretion. Species that are ignored by their host ants might use chemical mimicry instead. Furthermore, vibrational signals may contribute to ant-beetle communication, and chemical signals have proven to play a role in host finding. The powerful defense chemistry of paussines as "bombardier beetles" is not used in contact with host ants. We attempt to trace the evolution of myrmecophily in paussines by reviewing important aspects of the association between paussine beetles and ants, i.e. morphological and potential chemical adaptations, life cycle, host specificity, alimentation, parasitism and sound production.

}, keywords = {Animals, Arthropods, Beetles, Motor Activity, Nesting Behavior, Phylogeny, Social Behavior}, issn = {0028-1042}, doi = {10.1007/s00114-007-0271-x}, author = {Geiselhardt, Stefanie F and Peschke, Klaus and Nagel, Peter} }