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Rapid ecological speciation in gall inducers
Vincent G Martinson1, Quinlyn Baine1, Manuela Londoño-Gaviria1
1Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|June 27, 2026
Summary
Gall-inducing insects rapidly diversify due to strong ecological selection from host plants. This study shows high genetic specialization and reproductive isolation in Aciurina flies, driven by host plant adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ecological speciation in insects is often driven by adaptation to host plants.
- Gall-inducing insects may experience intense selection, promoting rapid diversification.
- Sympatric tephritid flies, Aciurina bigeloviae and A. trixa, provide a model for studying host-driven divergence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the divergence between two sympatric Aciurina fly species with distinct host plant varieties.
- To determine the role of host plant adaptation in reproductive isolation and speciation.
- To explore the genetic basis of specialization and gene flow between these species.
Main Methods:
- Host-use assays and hybrid crosses to assess reproductive compatibility and fitness on different hosts.
- Genomic analyses to quantify genetic differentiation (FST) and gene flow.
- Divergence time estimation using molecular data.
Main Results:
- Strong "immigrant inviability" observed, with purebred flies unable to induce galls on novel hosts.
- Reduced gall induction success in F1 and F2 generations, indicating genetic incompatibilities.
- High genetic differentiation (FST) and low gene flow between species, despite recent divergence (72-110 kya).
Conclusions:
- Gall-inducing insects exhibit rapid ecological speciation due to intimate host plant integration.
- Host plant genotype plays a critical role in driving insect diversification.
- Rapid reproductive isolation can arise in gall-inducing systems, highlighting the power of host-associated selection.
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