Differentiating morphologically similar cerambycid beetle species by molecular and chemical analyses

Udayakumar, Anupama

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130212 Copy

Description

Title

Differentiating morphologically similar cerambycid beetle species by molecular and chemical analyses

Author(s)

Udayakumar, Anupama

Issue Date

2025-07-21

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Hanks, Lawrence M

Committee Member(s)

• Katz, Aron D
• Suarez, Andrew V
• Ngumbi, Esther N

Department of Study

Entomology

Discipline

Entomology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• molecular
• chemical
• hydrocarbon
• barcoding
• COI
• cerambycid
• long-horned beetles
• beetles
• pest management

Abstract

The Cerambycidae, the longhorn beetles, is among the largest insect families with at least 35,000 described species. In their native ranges, cerambycids may provide important ecosystem services by initiating the breakdown of dying and dead tissues of woody plants, recycling the nutrients into forest ecosystems. However, some species are also pests due to their ability to damage wood or transmit plant diseases. As larvae of most cerambycid species are long-lived and can develop within lumber, palettes, dunnage, and other wooden products, they are also readily transported to new countries by international commerce, making them high-risk exotic species. A problem in managing some cerambycid pests is the difficulty discriminating between morphologically similar congeners. This study tests the hypothesis that cuticular hydrocarbon profiling provides an accurate means of identification. The study species were the morphologically similar congeners Graphisurus despectus (LeConte) and G. fasciatus (Degeer) (subfamily Lamiinae: tribe Acanthocinini) that are native to the eastern US. Forty-five adult beetles were collected from field sites in east-central Illinois, their hydrocarbons were extracted, and profiles were characterized and compared to identify consistent and diagnostic components. The beetles also were subjected to DNA sequencing to confirm the species status of the specimens. This study supported the hypothesis that hydrocarbon profiling is an efficient, cost-effective alternative to molecular methods for distinguishing between morphologically similar species of cerambycids, with potential applications in monitoring endangered species and managing pest species.

Graduation Semester

2025-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130212

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Anupama Udayakumar

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