|
Welcome to Curtis Ewing's web site dedicated to the systematics and evolution of the
endemic
Hawaiian sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). I apply molecular and
morphological data to explore their generic and species level phylogenetic
relationships. I am also interested in patterns of speciation,
host plant use, and associations with native Hawaiian yeasts.
Clicking on most of the small photos will bring up a higher resolution
copy. If you
can't get enough of these little slime loving insects or just have a
question click on the CV button above for contact information.
There are over 150 species of endemic
Hawaiian sap beetles. They are primarily found in native wet and mesic
forests, though a few can be found in native dry forests. They are found
primarily in association with endemic plants but
are also found on indigenous and introduced
hosts. They can be found in association with flowers, fruit, stems, and leaves of many flowering
plants and fern fronds. Many also can be found on decaying plant material
on the ground as well as decaying material still associated with the living
plant.
The Hawaiian sap beetles appear to be
the result of a single introduction. They are
very diverse morphologically, though all of the forms have been derived
from a common ancestor. They have diversified
to occupy nearly all of the ecological niches utilized by the family Nitidulidae
as a whole.
This site is divided into three main parts,
Sap Beetles, Host Plants, and Natural History.
The Sap Beetle
section examines the relationships between the genera, and presents biological
and ecological information for each genus.
The Host Plant
section includes a discussion of general trends as well as specific information
concerning the most common hosts. There is also an ever growing list of
known sap beetle associations organized by host plant name.
The Natural History
section discusses the environment in which they are found, the estimated time of
colonization, and patterns of
wing
reduction, a common condition within the endemic fauna that is rare
elsewhere in the world.
Glossary
Endemic:
Native to an area and found nowhere else in the world.
Indigenous:
Native to an area and native in other areas of the world.
Introduced: Arrived in Hawaii during the
past 2000 years with the assistance of humans.
|
