Evolutionary transformations in the roach-termite transition zone

• Applicant: Dr. Benjamin Wipfler
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 261330768

It is widely accepted that the primary wood-feeding and eusocial termites are derived from roach-like ancestors and that their closest relative is the xylophagous roach family Cryptocercidae. However, the remaining relationships within the group Blattodea (=roaches and termites) are still unresolved. Evolutionary innovations within the group such as the development of various stages of sociality, wood-feeding or the multiple reduction of wings are also largely unknown. The aim of the proposed project is to gain a deeper understanding about the evolution and phylogeny of roaches and termites by combining state of the art morphological and pyhlogenomic data. In total the morphology of the head and thorax of 30 species including relevant outgroups will be studied. In order to achieve maximum efficiency and a detailed documentation, a combination of several innovative techniques ( µ-computed tomography, digital microscopy, 3D-reconstructions) will be combined with traditional approaches (e.g. histological sections, line drawings). Additionally, information on other character systems including genitalia, the wing joint, embryology and the digestive symbionts will be contributed by external collaborators and included in the analyses. In a second part of the project the phylogeny will be analyzed using transcriptomes of 49 roaches and termites and 13 outgroup taxa. The data were compiled in the 1K Insect Transcriptome Evolution project (1KITE, www.1kite.org). In combination, these two approaches will not only allow a reliable reconstruction of the phylogeny of the group but also to address several evolutionary aspects. The focus will be on morphological transformations from solitary and omnivorous roaches over subsocial and wood-feeding groups to the highly complex termite societies. Specific evolutionary scenarios will be developed for adaptations towards xylophagy, winglessness and the evolution of the caste system.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants