Preliminary phylogeny of New Zealand Leiodidae (Coleoptera: Leiodidae)

Abstract

Leiodids (Coleoptera: Leiodidae) are found worldwide, with a wide array of ecological and morphological diversity. However, New Zealand leiodids are a poorly studied taxa, due to their small size and cryptic nature. Some have known macro-fungi associations, but many are leaf litter dwelling. They are typically 3mm or smaller and are easily recognisable due to a reduced 8th antennal segment. They are found nationwide and consist of 21 named genera with approximately 80 species. Most of which require taxonomic revision. The endemic genus Inocatops is one of these: there are nine named Inocatops species, two from the North Island and seven from the South Island. They are wingless, are characterised by having large foveae on the scutellum and have an enlarged fourth segment of the maxillary palpi. Within this thesis molecular phylogenetics is used to reconstruct the biogeographic history of the family in New Zealand and the evolution of fungus feeding. It also investigates the relationship within the Inocatops, identifying clades that can be referenced to type species. Two genes (COI and 28S) were used to reconstruct the relationships within the family. Phylogenetic reconstruction confirms Cholevinae as a monophyletic subfamily and indicates that Leiodini and Pseudoliodini are monophyletic tribes. The Camiarinae subfamily is not monophyletic, neither are the tribes Agyrtodini and Camiarini. The Sogdini tribe is unresolved, and as such the placements of Genera A and C cannot be confirmed. Neopelatopini is indicated as monophyletic in this study, indicating that Genus B can be confirmed as a member of this group. Inocatops forms a monophyletic grouping formed of six clades, one which is found in the North Island, and all of which are present in the South Island.