Work

Contrasting Geographic Patterns of Genetic Differentiation in Body Size and Development Time with Reproductive Isolation in Dendroctonus ponderosae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae)

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Body size and development time are two critical phenotypic traits that can be highly adaptive in insects. Recent population genetic analyses and crossing experiments with the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) have described substantial levels of neutral molecular genetic differentiation, genetic differences in phenotypic traits, and reproductive isolation. To determine whether genetic differences in adaptive phenotypic traits exist that correspond to reproductive boundaries, we conducted a common garden experiment with seven D. ponderosae populations previously used to identify reproductive incompatibilities. Genetic differences in development time were striking between faster developing, and more synchronized, northern populations and slower developing, and less synchronized, southern populations. Additionally, genetic differences in average body size were found between many populations. Differences in these two traits, however, failed to clearly demarcate populations that exhibit reproductive incompatibilities. Our results suggest that local selection pressures likely drive divergence in these two traits that is largely independent of the evolution of reproductive isolation in D. ponderosae.

Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America

DOI: 10.1603/an12133

Authors: Ryan R Bracewell, Michael E Pfrender, Karen E Mock, Barbara J Bentz

Institutions: Utah State University, University of Notre Dame, Rocky Mountain Research Station, University of Montana

Language: English

Topic: Forest Insect Ecology and Management

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,328

Funders: U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station