Understanding the historical evolution of biotas and dynamics contemporary human-mediated species introductions are two central tasks biology. One hypothesis may address both-the taxon cycle. Taxon cycles phases range expansion contraction coupled to ecological evolutionary niche shifts. These invasion processes resemble invasions in pattern possibly mechanism, but both existence roles recent question. We return system that originally inspired cycle-Melanesian ants-and perform novel tests...

Adaptive radiations are of particular interest owing to what they reveal about the ecological and evolutionary regulation biodiversity. This applies localized island such as Darwin's finches, also rapid occurring on a global scale. Here we analyse macroevolution macroecology Pheidole, famously hyperdiverse ecologically dominant ant genus. We generate four novel datasets: (i) robust phylogeny including 285 Pheidole species, (ii) database regional richness in 365 political areas summarizing...

Abstract Aim We sought to reconstruct the biogeographical structure and dynamics of a hyperdiverse ant genus, Pheidole, test several predictions taxon cycle hypothesis. Using large datasets on Pheidole geographical distributions phylogeny, we (1) inferred patterns modularity (clusters areas with similar faunal composition), (2) tested whether species in open habitats are more likely be expanding their range beyond module boundaries, (3) there is bias lineage flow from high‐ low‐diversity...

The objective of this study is to provide a detailed taxonomic resource for identifying and studying ants in the genus Pheidole that have established beyond their native ranges. There an increasing need systematists taxa specific concern 21st century environmental, food security public health challenges. Systematics has important role play both theoretical applied disciplines invasion biology. Few invaders impact terrestrial ecosystems more than ants. Among world’s 100 worst invasive species...

Abstract Aim The latitudinal diversity gradient is the dominant geographic pattern of life on Earth, but a consensus understanding its origins has remained elusive. analysis recently diverged, hyper‐rich invertebrate groups provides an opportunity to investigate patterns with statistical power large trees while minimizing potentially confounding variation in ecology and history. Here, we synthesize global phylogenetic macroecological data hyperdiverse (> 1,100 species) ant radiation,...

While insular radiations are documented for many terrestrial arthropods, few examples known eusocial insects. This study seeks to ascertain whether the spinescence observed among Fijian Pheidole ants was inherited from an oversea ancestor or is evidence of ecological release interspecific competitors. We broaden our understanding morphological convergence, radiation and Pacific biogeography by testing three hypotheses proposed previously roosevelti group: (i) group monophyletic; (ii) a...

Abstract Island biodiversity has long fascinated biologists as it typically presents tractable systems for unpicking the eco‐evolutionary processes driving community assembly. In general, two recurring themes are of central theoretical interest. First, immigration, diversification, and extinction depend on island geographical properties (e.g., area, isolation, age). Second, predictable ecological evolutionary trajectories readily occur after colonization, such evolution adaptive trait...

Abstract Aim This study addresses the origins of terrestrial biodiversity Fijian islands using ant genus Lordomyrma (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) as a model system. We derive evolution and determine its closest extra‐Fijian relatives from geological data, molecular phylogenetic reconstruction divergence estimates . Location Ant taxa were sampled in Southwest Pacific, Melanesia, Southeast Asia, Australia mainland China. Methods Phylogeny based on four nuclear genes (28S, ArgK, LW Rh,...

The ant genus Pheidole-for all of its hyperdiversity and global ubiquity-is remarkably conservative with regard to morphological disparity. A striking exception this constrained morphology is the spinescent morphotype, which has evolved multiple times across distantly related lineages Indoaustralian Pheidole. Pheidole cervicornis group contains perhaps most extraordinary forms Here we present a taxonomic revision P. group, use microtomographic scanning technology investigate internal anatomy...

The Fijian islands, a remote archipelago in the southwestern Pacific, are home to number of spectacular endemic radiations plants and animals. Unlike most Pacific archipelagos, these evolutionary extend social insects, including ants. One dramatic examples ant radiation Fiji has occurred hyperdiverse genus Pheidole. Most 17 native Pheidole belong one two species groups that descended from single colonization, yet have evolved dramatically contrasting morphologies: spinescent P. roosevelti...

Abstract Phenotypic traits are often integrated into evolutionary modules: sets of organismal parts that evolve together. In social insect colonies, the concepts integration and modularity apply to both within among functionally phenotypically differentiated castes. On macroevolutionary timescales, patterns across castes can be clues selective ecological factors shaping their evolution diversification. We develop a set hypotheses describing contrasting worker this framework in broad (246...

Ants that resemble Camponotus maculatus (Fabricius, 1782) present an opportunity to test the hypothesis origin of Pacific island fauna was primarily New Guinea, Philippines, and Indo-Malay archipelago (collectively known as Malesia). We sequenced two mitochondrial four nuclear markers from 146 specimens islands, Australia, Malesia. also added 211 representing a larger worldwide sample performed series phylogenetic analyses ancestral area reconstructions. Results indicate members this group...

Study of extreme phenotypic traits and novel structures provides insights into forces mediating evolution diversification. Sexual selection is often implicated as the evolutionary driver trait exaggeration, while examples invoking natural are scarce. Heretofore overlooked include outlandishly exaggerated spines produced by non-reproductive castes various ant lineages. Ant conjectured to be defensive weapons, but factors shaping their poorly understood. Here we assess evolution, ecology...

Abstract Advances in technology are rapidly changing the way people transmit, view, and interact with information. These advances offer new opportunities for researchers to share scientific discoveries each other general public as never before. The field of revisionary biology has audiences confined small groups specialists, but core task systematic biology—documenting endless forms nature—is particularly well suited capitalize on innovations realm virtual, mixed augmented reality....

This taxonomic revision treats a radiation of Fijian ants described here as belonging to the Pheidole roosevelti-group. Many species group exhibit remarkable modification shape their propodeal spines, mesonotums and heads. Seven species, five which are new, recognized: P. bula sp. n., colaensis Mann 1921, furcata pegasus roosevelti simplispinosa uncagena n. Descriptions diagnostic keys provided for minor workers, major workers queens. All illustrated with digital images, distributions across...

The intent of this paper is to facilitate future research the Solomon Islands ant fauna by providing first comprehensively researched species inventory in over 75 years. list presented here includes names all recorded from islands that are available literature together with specimen records several museum collections and new our 2008 Makira field expedition. All described valid accordance most recent Formicidae classification. In total, checklist composed 237 subspecies (including 30...

The study of island community assembly has been fertile ground for developing and testing theoretical ideas in ecology evolution. ecoevolutionary trajectory lineages after colonization a particular interest, as this is key component understanding assembly. In system, existing ideas, such the taxon cycle, posit that pass through regular sequence changes colonization, with shifting toward reduced dispersal ability, increased ecological specialization, declines abundance. However, these...

The Fiji archipelago harbours a surprisingly diverse and endemic ant fauna, despite its isolated remote location in the South Pacific. genus Proceratium is present on with three species, of which P. oceanicum De Andrade, 2003 relictum Mann, 1921 were previously known. In this study we describe third species: vinaka sp. n. All species are members widespread species-rich silaceum clade. order to integrate new into current taxonomic system, an illustrated identification key worker caste Fijian...

Two new species of Lordomyrma are described: L. reticulata sp. nov. from Malaysian Borneo and vanua Fiji. The occurrence the former in expands range this genus to include Southeast Asia description a Fijian indicates that remains be fully sampled, even regions where it is considered well known. Taken together, these two findings suggest occupies less disjunct distribution more widely distributed than previously suspected. There need for further sampling reveal both diversity cryptic genus.

Abstract Aim The fundamental biogeographical processes of colonization, speciation and extinction shape island biotas in space–time. On oceanic islands, area isolation affect these resulting biodiversity patterns. In the Anthropocene, a new human‐mediated colonization dynamic is altering insular ecosystems world‐wide. Here, we test predictions about roles archipelago structuring ant diversity patterns through effects on both natural anthropogenic processes. Location Tropical Pacific islands....