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Exploring desert-adapted beetles with 3D geometric morphometrics
Tomasz Szara1, Marcin Jan Kamiński2, Ozan Gündemir3
1Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
Scientific Reports
|July 2, 2025
Summary
3D geometric morphometrics reveals distinct taxonomic differences in sandworm beetles (Tenebrionidae). This advanced approach highlights underappreciated variations in pronotal width and elytral shape, crucial for arid-environment beetle systematics.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Systematics
- Geometric Morphometrics
Background:
- Darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) are ecologically vital, especially in arid zones.
- Their taxonomy is challenging due to limited phylogenetic and morphological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To use 3D geometric morphometrics to assess taxonomic validity and morphological differences.
- To differentiate three closely related sandworm beetle taxa: Gonopus deplanatus, G. tibialis kalaharicus, and G. tibialis punctatus.
Main Methods:
- Digitized 79 museum specimens using 3D scanning from six orientations.
- Assigned 21 anatomical landmarks to the prothorax and pterothorax.
- Analyzed size and shape variation using geometric morphometrics.
Main Results:
- Gonopus tibialis punctatus shows a narrower pronotum and distinct prosternal process compared to other taxa.
- Elytral differences in width, curvature, and declivity were observed among taxa.
- A positive correlation between pterothorax size and elytral shape suggests adaptations for thermoregulation or structural support.
Conclusions:
- 3D geometric morphometrics offers a quantitative method for distinguishing closely related beetle taxa.
- Traditional taxonomy may have overlooked significant variations within these beetle groups.
- Allometric influences on shape provide insights into functional and ecological adaptations in desert environments.
