Phylogenetic diversity and conservation of protected click beetles (Campsosternus spp.) in Taiwan: a molecular approach to clarifying species status
Journal
Journal of Insect Conservation
Journal Volume
18
Journal Issue
6
Pages
1059-1071
Date Issued
2014
Author(s)
Abstract
A well-defined conservation unit provides a proper target of protection and abundant information on the following conservation policy. In Taiwan, a protected click beetle named the rainbow sheath click beetle is believed to include two independent species: Campsosternuswatanabei and C. yasuakii. To verify their species status and the conservation unit, five Campsosternus spp. were included for reconstructing phylogenetic trees by using molecular approaches (two mitochondrial markers and one nuclear marker), and examining morphological characteristics (e.g. female bursa copulatrix). The molecular data indicate that C.yasuakii should be recognized as synonymous with C.mirabilis. In addition, the anatomical comparison of the female bursa copulatrix, which is vital in genera classification but is often undervalued, suggests the probability of a cryptic genus existing in Campsosternus. Therefore, this study suggests that a taxonomic system solely based on morphology might be unstable, and the robustness of the systematic taxonomy of the family Elateridae can be strengthened using both morphological and molecular tools.
SDGs
Type
journal article