Behavior and Ecology of New and Old World Luperini Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

In summary then, in my study I have been able to provide additional evidence of the close relationship between the Aulacophorina and the Diabroticina. The similar response and adaptation to cucurbitacins by these beetles suggests a common evolutionary origin of these two groups. However, the apparent lack of a common response to Cucurbita blossom volatiles suggests recent evolutionary pathways became substantially different as their populations diverged concomitant with geographic isolation.