A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the pleasing fungus beetles (Coleoptera: Erotylidae): evolution of colour patterns, gregariousness and mycophagy

Abstract

Abstract. Phylogenetic relationships of Erotylidae (pleasing fungus beetles) were inferred based on DNA sequence data. Relationships of clades within Erotylidae were examined, as was the relationship of the entire family to Languriidae (lizard beetles). 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA were sequenced for sixty‐one taxa representing major erotylid lineages and outgroups. Phylogenetic analyses under varying parameter settings using standard parsimony and likelihood techniques were performed. These data indicate a paraphyletic Erotylidae and Languriidae. Encaustinae (including Coptengis ), Megalodacninae and Erotylinae are supported as monophyletic, whereas Dacninae and Tritominae are paraphyletic. Taxonomic and biological implications are discussed. Gregariousness has arisen at least three times in Erotylidae. The erotylid clade has experienced at least one evolutionary transition from mycophagy (on Aphyllophorales) to phytophagy, three transitions from Aphyllophorales hosts to Euagarics, and one transition from Euagarics hosts to Mucorales (Zygomycetes). There are no recognizable phylogenetic trends in coloration across higher‐level erotylid lineages.