Professor University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee
Research in my lab is in the areas of beetle systematics, genomics, evolution and diversity, with a particular focus on beetles (order Coleoptera), including how and when beetles evolved, why there are so many beetle species, beetle chemoperception, and the evolution and genomic basis of beetle-plant interactions. In this talk I will present an overview of what we are learning about beetle evolution from studies of beetle phylogeny, genomes, ecology and evolution. These studies typically employ large-scale genomic data and cutting-edge analytical approaches. Notable findings to date include the phylogeny of beetles at various taxonomic scales, timing and patterns of beetle diversification, genomic correlates of invasiveness and polyphagy among beetle pests of agriculture and forestry, and the evolution and genomic basis of specialized plant-feeding in beetles.