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The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has been used broadly as a DNA barcoding region or and relevant molecular marker for phylogenetic reconstruction. The exact region that has been standardized as a universal barcode is the one amplified by Folmer's primers HCO-LCO. Nevertheless, many other primers have been developed for the amplification of the COI gene, among them the Jerry-Pat primers. This paper aims to analyze the performance of different regions of the COI, in particular those amplified by Folmer's and Jerry-Pat primers, on different taxonomic levels by using specimens from a complex and homogeneous beetle family, Mordellidae Latreille, 1802. To achieve this goal, we used two different datasets: Jerry-Pat matrix included 48 sequences from specimens sampled in the field and 19 sequences from GenBank, whereas Folmer's matrix included 91 sequences from BOLD; representing 24 and 85 species respectively. Our results show different properties of both COI regions regarding GC content (3.7% lower in Jerry-Pat fragment), sequence length, interspecific divergence, evolutionary models, and saturation analyses. We also found that the two studied regions of the COI perform differently, showing notable differences in the topology of the reconstructed trees. Finally, a discussion of the pros and cons of each region is provided. This is a first glance at the molecular data of Mordellidae, where we provided a general picture of the evolutionary history of the family and included new sequences for Mediimorda Méquignon, 1946 and Stenalia Mulsant, 1856.

Sympatric distribution and syntopy are not common in closely related species since sporadic crosses may lead to the formation of hybrid zones disrupting the differentiation of sympatric incipient species. In Central Spain two morphologically similar species of Mediimorda Méquignon, 1946, M. batteni Plaza-Infante, 1985 and M. bipunctata (Germar, 1827) are strictly sympatric. Mediimorda batteni is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula while M. bipunctata is widely distributed in the Western Palaearctic Region. Intriguingly, sympatric distribution among closely related taxa that exhibits little morphological variation is not common. This makes us wonder if we are really facing two independent evolutionary units of Mediimorda as previously proposed or just two phenotypic morphs of a single taxon. To test for this hypothesis, we performed Bayesian and phylogeographic analyses based on mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) data and estimated divergence time of clades. Additionally, a morphological revision and construction of potential distribution models were included to determine possible niche differences. Our results corroborate the existence of two lineages well differentiated, that probably diverged during the Pliocene. According to the morphology, each clade corresponds to the previously recognized M. batteni and M. bipunctata. The absence of hybridization and ecological segregation suggests that sympatric and syntopic distribution was accomplished long time after the speciation event that separated the two taxa took place. We propose that the divergence between clades was originated by allopatric speciation during the Late Pliocene subsequently followed by range shifts during the Pleistocene climatic oscillations, which resulted in the current syntopy of the two taxa.

De acuerdo a los trabajos que se han publicado desde los inicios de la Biología Evolutiva, entender qué factores favorecen los procesos de especiación y extinción, y el cuándo y por qué ocurren cambios drásticos en dichos procesos, es uno de los principales objetivos de esta rama de la Biología. A lo largo de mi tesis, titulada “Historia evolutiva y patrones de diversificación de coleópteros vesicantes (Coleoptera: Meloidae) con notas sobre su taxonomía y distribución”, se emplean diferentes métodos para estimar las tasas de especiación y extinción, identificar posibles eventos de extinción masiva, y la asociación entre la aparición de algunos caracteres y cambios en la dinámica de la diversificación de linajes, para entender la historia evolutiva de los coleópteros vesicantes, familia Meloidae. De forma paralela, se incrementa el conocimiento taxonómico, biogeográfico y biólogico del grupo de estudio. Los resultados sugieren que los procesos de especiación en Meloidae pueden ser tanto de a elevadas tasas de extinción históricas, lo que supone un mayor riesgo de extinción en el presente. Finalmente, se obtiene evidencia de que algunos linajes dentro de la familia experimentaron la pérdida de restricciones genéticas, selectivas, funcionales o de desarrollo, es decir, de restricciones evolutivas que daban forma a estructuras como los élitros y el abdomen. Esto permitió la exploración de nuevos fenotipos, que dio lugar a una copiosa diversidad morfológica. A través de este caso de estudio se puede entender mejor y cuantificar las consecuencias que alteraciones en las restricciones evolutivas pueden tener en la evolución morfológica. Finalmente, se establecen los límites de la distribución geográfica de Spastonyx nemognathoides, un taxón con una historia taxonómica compleja y se revisa la fauna de Epicauta en Venezuela.

[EN]Brine shrimps (Artemia) have undergone geographic range and demographic expansions as a result of their interaction with humans since the beginning of salt harvesting. This interaction has favoured the expansion of some species but compromising the survival of others. Mediterranean native populations of Artemia salina from coastal salterns and lagoons are facing the presence and expansion of the introduced and invasive American species Artemia monica (=A. franciscana). However, this species could not be the only threat. Parthenogenetic populations of the Asian species A. urmiana and A. sinica are widespread along the Mediterranean and other areas of the world. In this work, with the use of large cox1 and mitogenomic datasets, phylogenetic and phylogeographic inferences, and a time calibrated tree, we confrmed the Asian origin and recent arrival of the current Western Mediterranean parthenogenetic populations of Artemia. In addition, the replacement of Iberian populations of A. salina by Asiatic parthenogenetic populations lead us to recognize parthenogens as invasive. Current salterns development and commercial importance of Artemia make humanmediated introduction probable. These results demonstrate again the impact that changing human interests have on population expansion or decline of species adapted to anthropogenic habitats. Artemia salina decline makes urgent the implementation of conservation measures such as its use in fsh farming and salt production or its inoculation in inland salterns. [ES]Las artemias (Artemia) han experimentado expansiones demográfcas y cambios en sus áreas de distribución como resultado de su interacción con los humanos desde los inicios de la producción de sal. Esta interacción ha favorecido la expansión de algunas especies, pero comprometido la supervivencia de otras. Las poblaciones nativas mediterráneas de Artemia salina de las salinas y lagunas costeras se enfrentan a la presencia y expansión de la especie americana Artemia mo

Changes in life history traits are often considered speciation triggers and can have dramatic effects on the evolutionary history of a lineage. Here, we examine the consequences of changes in two life history traits, host-type and phoresy, in the hypermetamorphic blister beetles, Meloidae. Subfamilies Nemognathinae and Meloinae exhibit a complex life cycle involving multiple metamorphoses and parasitoidism. Most genera and tribes are bee-parasitoids, and include phoretic or nonphoretic species, while two tribes feed on grasshopper eggs. These different life strategies are coupled with striking differences in species richness among clades. We generated a mitogenomic phylogeny for Nemognathinae and Meloinae, confirming the monophyly of these two clades, and used the dated phylogeny to explore the association between diversification rates and changes in host specificity and phoresy, using state-dependent speciation and extinction (SSE) models that include the effect of hidden traits. To account for the low taxon sampling, we implemented a phylogenetic-taxonomic approach based on birth-death simulations, and used a Bayesian framework to integrate parameter and phylogenetic uncertainty. Results show that the ancestral hypermetamorphic Meloidae was a nonphoretic bee-parasitoid, and that transitions towards a phoretic bee-parasitoid and grasshopper parasitoidism occurred multiple times. Nonphoretic bee-parasitoid lineages exhibit significantly higher relative extinction and lower diversification rates than phoretic bee-and grasshopper-parasitoids, but no significant differences were found between the latter two strategies. This suggests that Orthopteran host shifts and phoresy contributed jointly to the evolutionary success of the parasitoid meloidae. We also demonstrate that SSE models can be used to identify hidden traits coevolving with the focal trait in driving a lineage's diversification dynamics.

The host range of parasitoids varies greatly among species: Some only parasitize one to a few hosts (specialists), while others parasitize multiple species or a variety of host types (generalists). The direction of most host range shifts in parasitoid groups, that is from generalist to specialist or, alternatively, from specialist to generalist, is unknown. To explore the origin of host range shifts, we studied a clade within the genus Torymus (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) that includes both generalist and specialist parasitoids of Cynipidae (Hymenoptera). We analysed the phylogenetic relationships of the species of Torymus on the basis of two gene fragments (cox1 and ITS2) of 246 specimens and performed an ancestral state reconstruction of the specialist/generalist trait. Our results revealed the following: (a) The ancestral state of this group of Torymus is specialist, with the generalist state evolving through a loss of specialization. (b) The species Torymus cyaneus and Torymus flavipes both have a strong genetic structure, suggesting the existence of different biological identities. (c) There has been a host plant shift in the lineage(s) leading to Torymus rubi and Torymus bedeguaris from galls on Quercus to those on Rosaceae. (d) The alien species Torymus sinensis and the native European species Torymus notatus are phylogenetically closely related. (e) Speciation within Torymus was likely associated with the diversification of their cynipid hosts, which itself was driven by the dramatic changes in climate and vegetation that occurred during the Miocene., Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO)/FEDER, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN), Agencia Española de Investigación (AEI)/FEDER/UE, Ministerio de Agricultura y Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente / CSIC, Depto. de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

High morphological plasticity in populations of brine shrimp subjected to different environmental conditions, mainly salinity, hindered for centuries the identification of the taxonomic entities encompassed within Artemia. In addition, the mismatch between molecular and morphological evolution rates complicates the characterization of evolutionary lineages, generating taxonomic problems. Here, we propose a phylogenetic hypothesis for Artemia based on two new complete mitogenomes, and determine levels of congruence in the definition of evolutionary units using nuclear and mtDNA data. We used a fossil of Artemia to calibrate the molecular clock and discuss divergence times within the genus. The hypothesis proposed herein suggests a more recent time frame for lineage splitting than previously considered. Phylogeographic analyses were performed using GenBank available mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Evidence of gen e flow, identified through discordances between nuclear and mtDNA markers, was used to reconsider the specific status of some taxa. As a result, we consider Artemia to be represented by five evolutionary units: Southern Cone, Mediterranean—South African, New World, Western Asian, and Eastern Asian Lineages. After an exhaustive bibliographical revision, unavailable names for nomenclatural purposes were discarded. The remaining available names have been assigned to their respective evolutionary lineage. The proper names for the evolutionary units in which brine shrimps are structured remain as follows: Artemia persimilis Piccinelli & Prosdocimi, 1968 for the Southern Cone Lineage, Artemia salina (Linnaeus, 1758) for the Mediterranean-SouthAfrican Lineage, Artemia urmiana Günther, 1899 for the Western Asian Lineage, and Artemia sinica Cai, 1989 for the Eastern Asian Lineage. The name Artemia monica Verrill, 1869 has nomenclatural priority over A. franciscana Kellogg, 1906 for naming the New World Lineage. New synonymies are proposed for A. salina (= C. dybows

Untangling the relationship between morphological evolution and lineage diversification is key to explain global patterns of phenotypic disparity across the Tree of Life. Few studies have examined the relationship between high morphological disparity and extinction. In this study, we infer phylogenetic relationships and lineage divergence times within Eupomphini (Meloidae), a tribe of blister beetles endemic to the arid zone of North America, which exhibits a puzzling pattern of very low species richness but wild variation in morphological diversity across extant taxa. Using Bayesian and maximum likelihood inference, we estimate diversification and phenotypic evolutionary rates and infer the time and magnitude of extinction rate shifts and mass extinction events. Our results suggest that Eupomphini underwent an event of ancient radiation coupled with rapid morphological change, possibly linked to the loss of the evolutionary constraint in the elytral shape. A high extinction background associated to the Miocene-Pliocene transition decimated the diversity within each major clade, resulting in the species-poor genera observed today. Our study supports a connection between high extinction rates and patterns of decoupled phenotypic evolution and lineage diversification, and the possibility of a radiation in the absence of ecological release.

Despite many faunistic, taxonomic and phylogenetic works on the family Meloidae in North America (see Pinto 1983, 1984, 1991, 2009; Pinto & Bologna 1999; GarcíaParís et al. 2007; Bologna et al. 2008, Cline & Huether 2001, Marschalek & Young 2015), the Mexican fauna is still far from adequately known, even at basic levels (faunistic, bionomic, alfa-taxonomic). Geographic distributions are not properly known for most Mexican taxa, and new discoveries or wide range extensions have been recently published (García-París & Ruiz 2013, García-París et al. 2009, 2013a, b; Pinto 2009, 2010; López-Estrada & García-París 2014).

[EN] The study of specimens of Epicauta held at the collection of the Museo del Instituto de Zoología Aplicada (MIZA, Venezuela) allowed us to discover specimens with singular morphological traits from the states of Lara and Falcón. The characters shown by these specimens do not permit to assign them to any of the known species of the genus, and thus we consider that they represent a new species: Epicauta falcolarandina sp. nov. The new species is included in the Epicauta vittata species group. E. falcolarandina differs at first glance from all other Venezuelan species of the E. vittata species group (Epicauta aragua and Epicauta apure) because it presents the ventral blade of the tarsal claws curved and of similar width and length than the dorsal one. The characteristic coloration pattern of E. falcolarandina, which vaguely resembles the pattern displayed by Epicauta leopardina, differs from all other species of the E. vittata species group. A particular trait of E. falcolarandina, shared with Epicauta abadona, is that the coloration of the pilosity does not match the color of the tegument. Most of the surface of the elytra of E. falcolarandina, including almost all dark zones, is covered by a whitish-yellow pilosity., [ES] El examen de ejemplares del género Epicauta de la colección del Museo del Instituto de Zoología Aplicada (MIZA, Venezuela) nos permitiódetectar la presencia de ejemplares procedentes de los estados de Lara y Falcón, con características morfológicas singulares. Estos rasgos nopermiten su asignación a ninguna de las especies conocidas del género por lo que se describe como una especie nueva: Epicauta falcolarandinasp. nov., que se incluye en el grupo de especies de Epicauta vittata. E. falcolarandina se diferencia de las demás especies venezolanas del grupode E. vittata (Epicauta aragua y Epicauta apure) por presentar la lámina inferior de las u˜nas de los tarsos curvada y casi de la misma anchura ylongitud que la lámina superior. El patrón característico de coloración de E. falcolarandina, que recuerda al de Epicauta leopardina, la diferenciade las restantes especies del grupo de E. vittata. Una característica peculiar de esta especie, que comparte con Epicauta abadona, es que el colorde la pilosidad no coincide con el de la coloración tegumentaria; así, en la mayor parte de los élitros, incluidas casi todas las zonas oscuras, lapilosidad es amarillo-blanquecina.

[EN] Three populations of Eupompha imperialis (Wellman, 1912) were located in the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora, in close proximity to the Mexico-USA border. These populations represent the first records for E. imperialis in Mexico. The specimens were observed in sandy areas of the Sonoran Desert, associated with flowering Tiquilia palmeri (Boraginaceae). These new records suggest that, despite the rarity of some species of Eupomphini, further exploration of the northernmost areas of Sonora and Baja California may increase the number of species of Eupomphini and other tribes of Meloidae present in Mexico., [ES] Se localizaron tres poblaciones de Eupompha imperialis (Wellman, 1912) en los estados mexicanos de Baja California y Sonora, en las proximidades de la frontera México-Estados Unidos. Estas poblaciones representan los primeros registros de E. imperialis en México. Los ejemplares de E. imperialis se observaron en zonas arenosas del desierto de Sonora, asociados a ejemplares en flor de Tiquilia palmeri (Boraginaceae). Estos nuevos registros sugieren que, a pesar de la rareza de algunas especies de Eupomphini, el desarrollo de nuevas exploraciones en las áreas más septentrionales de Sonora y Baja California permitiría incrementar el número de especies de Eupomphini y de otras tribus de Meloidae presentes en México.